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Contemporary Issues in the Jainism Religion

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Contemporary Issues in the Jainism Religion

REL/133
December 13, 2012 Contemporary Issues in the Jainism Religion

“The Jain emblem represents many important concepts to show the path to enlightenment by following the basic principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Triratana (right belief, right knowledge and right conduct) and helping others” (Srehta, 2011). The outlined region of the image embodies the universe as termed in scriptures of Jainism. There are three realms listed as Loks. The top part reveals Urdhava Lok (heaven), the interior section specifies Madhya Lok (material world) and the lower portion indicates Adho Lok (hell). The semi-circular upper most area symbolizes Siddhas hila, a zone far beyond the three realms. The Siddhas (liberated bodiless souls) reside on this forever, liberated from the cycle of life and death.
The three dots on the top symbolizes Triratana (right belief), Samyak Gyan (right knowledge), & Samyak Charitra (right conduct). Creatures in this world can become free from the cycle of life and death; basically liberation is an achievement at this point in symbolism. This sends the message stating it is necessary to have Triratana to attain Moksha.
In the top portion, four arms of Swastika, symbolizes the four Gati (destiny): Narak (demon), Triyanch (animal), Manushya (human) and Dev (angel). It represents the perpetual nature of the universe in the Madhya Lok (material world), where a creatures destiny is one of those states based on their Karmas (deeds). It also represents the four columns of the Jain Sangh: Sadhus, Sadhvis, and Shravikas.
The symbol of hand in the lower portion shows fearlessness and symbolizes the feeling of Ahimsa toward all the creatures in this world. The circle in the middle of the hand symbolizes Samsara (reincarnation cycle) and the 24 spokes represents the preaching from the 24 Tirthankaras,

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