...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...
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...Karma is the belief that the sum of a person's actions in this and previous states of existence, viewed as deciding their fate in future existences; basically, it is an effect, the cause being the actions of a person. In Buddhism, karma is viewed as a moral principal. In Jainism, karma is viewed as a way of moving up or down in status. Being prevalent in both Jainism and Buddhism, karma’s role in Jainism is a way to make life better mentally and spiritually, therefore, is considered more important in Jainism. First, I’d like to discuss karma in Buddhism and why it has a significance. Buddhism, like Jainism, recognizes inequalities in mankind. Being a religion and a way of life, they feel there is a way to explain these inequalities and that it is not purely accidental; karma being one of those explanations. The other three reason Buddhism gives for these inequalities are heredity, environment, and “nature and nurture.” Karma in the Pali term means action or doing. Any kind of intentional act is regarded as karma as intentional means there has to be thought put into it. Karma can be either good or bad, depending on the action taken by the person. If the action is unintentional or involuntary, then there is no karma present. The whole idea of karma is that a choice, whether good or bad, is being made, causing a reaction. Being good and making good choices will lead you to be happy while being bad and making bad choices will lead you to be unhappy. ("Basic Buddhism: The Theory...
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...------------------------------------------------- University of Phoenix Material Jainism vs. Sikhism Part I Read the assigned chapters for the week and complete the following table. Be as specific as possible when identifying practices, beliefs, rituals, and historical elements. Cite sources in APA formatting. Core Beliefs | Jainism | Sikhism | | 1. This is the oldest living shramana tradition in India. Founded in the 5th century by Mahavira. This Religion is supported by south Indian royalty. | 1. Historical element is that this Religion began in 1469 in India. The creator is Guru Granth Sahib, he started teaching these practices which are different from other religions. | | 2. They believe in reincarnation | 2. They believe in karma | | 3. Ritual is meditation (samayika) which focuses on achieving a peaceful state of mind. | 3. Ritual ceremonies and rites for almost every area of their life. for instance when a baby is born it is taken to a Gurdware for a naming ceremony. | | 4. Practice nonviolence more than Sikhism | 4. Practice nonviolence | | 5. They believe that their salvation is gained in their own personal struggles and victories and do not believe in a personal god. | 5. they believe in one god (Allah) and they believe there are eight different stages of hell | Part 2 Respond to the following questions in 150 to 200 words: 1. What do you think is the most important similarity and which is the most important difference...
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...JAINISM 2 Abstract This paper will explore the Jain religion both past and present. Jainism, also known as Jain Dharma, which is one of the most ancient religions in the world still existing today, was traditionally developed in ancient India in the 6th century B.C. . The paper goes on to describe the history of Jainism, the life of its founder, Mahavira, and the beliefs and philosophical tenets of Jainism. This paper will also go on to describe the deities of Jainism and also the importance of their places of worship. This paper will explore several articles on the Jain religion and how it has changed over time. Keywords: Jina, Tirthankaras, Ahisma, Mahavira, Shvetambara, Digambara JAINISM 3 Jainism The word Jainism is derived from Jina, meaning victor or conqueror. The universal message of Jainism is that of non-violence. There is no creator or God in this religion. It all started with Mahavira who was born around 599 BCE. He decided to abandon his well known life and take a not so traveled path of an ascetic life. He gave away his possessions, and embarked on a new journey. He endured vigorous discipline, including bodily and spiritual...
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...John Kase Prof. Morgan Religion in The World, section7 Sept 17th 2012 Paper #1 “How is honey understood in African and African diasporic religions?” Honey is a sweet food made by bees using nectar from flowers. In the African religion, food stuffs are present within the ritual stories associated with African spirituality and are instructive tools symbolizing complex ideas and concepts. In one such story, Ogun, the god of iron, technology, and patron of blacksmiths, isolates himself in a forest. Because the people depended on his abilities and gifts for most of their daily lives, the community soon fell into chaos. They beseeched the great Ogun to return, only to be ignored by the orisha. Only the orisha of sensuality and female empowerment, Oshun, was able to lure Ogun from his haven. She spread her honey on his lips, and the tempted Ogun followed her out of the forest. Honey, in this story, has been said to be a metaphor for Oshun’s sexuality, and the story instructs believers about using their own particular talents for the good of the community. Honey is also used as an important type food during the ceremony of a newborn. In many African communities, the elders, usually after having engaged in divination, offer a name to the baby’s father in the morning. Divination helps determine which ancestor may be coming back through the child. Later on, in the evening, others in the community join to officially welcome the newborn. Specific ritual food and drinks will...
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...and Comparing Jainism Jacoven M. Staton Grand Canyon University INT 43 April 20, 2009 A Framework for Understanding and Comparing Jainism Jainism was the first religion that was formed from Hinduism. Jainism bares some similarities to Hinduism it eventually managed to become a religion all of its own. This reformation movement turned independent religion was based upon the teachings of its founder Mahavira. With the lessons taught by Mahavira and my interpretation of his lessons I was able to create the following framework for understanding and comparing of Jainism. What Does It Mean To Be Human? In Jainism the soul is thought of as uncreated and eternal, and is capable of obtaining a perfect divinity. Followers of Jainism should gain liberation from the continuous cycle of rebirth, by not stirring up any bad karma, particularly any bad karma stemmed from causing harm to any and all conscious beings. What Is the Basic Human Problem? The basic human problem as seen by the followers of Jainism is finding a way of finally stopping the continuous wheel of reincarnation. In short, how does one impede this circle of endless lives and come to an end so that they can live? What Is the Cause Of the Problem? The cause of the basic human problem is the continuous wheel of reincarnation, viewed by followers of Jainism, is the karma that they create. What Is the End or Goal of Transformation? The goal of transformation for the followers of Jainism is accomplished...
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...JAINISM:- Jainism traditionally known as Jaina dharma,[1] is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings and emphasises spiritual independence and equality between all forms of life. Practitioners believe that non-violence and self-control are the means by which they can obtain liberation. Currently, Jainism is divided into two major sects —Digambara and Śvētāmbara. The word Jainism is derived from a Sanskrit verb Jin which means to conquer. It refers to a battle with the passions and bodily pleasures that the jaina ascetics undertake. Those who win this battle are termed as Jina (conqueror). The term Jaina is therefore used to refer to laymen and ascetics of this tradition alike. Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world.[2] Jains traditionally trace their history through a succession of twenty-four propagators of their faith known as tirthankara with Ādinātha as the first tirthankara and Mahāvīra as the last of the current era. For long periods of time Jainism was the state religion of Indian kingdoms and widely adopted in the Indian subcontinent. The religion has been in decline since the 8th century CE due to the growth, and oppression by the followers, of Hinduism and Islam.[3][4] LITERATURE:- The tradition talks about a body of scriptures preached by all the tirthankara of Jainism. These scriptures were contained in fourteen parts and were known as Purva. It was memorized and passed on through the ages, but became fairly...
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...Jainism is an ancient immanent religion from India that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss. The religion still lives on today and has around 5-6 million believers. The religion is traced back to over 8000 years old. Below is an image and explanation of the Jain symbol. Aboriginal spirituality is an ancient transcendent religion from Australia. It consists of the Dreaming belief that spiritual ancestors of the people. Dreaming is the environment the Aboriginal people lived in and it still exists today “all around us”. Below is an image of the aboriginal flag that represents the traditional aboriginal religion and is still present in Australia today. Black: represents the aboriginal people of Australia. Yellow: represents the sun, the giver of life and protector. Red: represents the red earth, the red ochre used in ceremonies and aboriginal peoples spiritual relationship to the land. Black: represents the aboriginal people of Australia. Yellow: represents the sun, the giver of life and protector. Red: represents the red earth, the red ochre used in ceremonies and aboriginal peoples spiritual relationship to the land. Origins of the universe: Jainism believes that universe and all its substances are eternal (everlasting). Jain cosmology states the world was created perfect but has steadily decayed ever since. All substances continually undergo changes. Previous forms give way to new ones without loosing their own inherent qualities. The Jain belief is that...
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...Short essay on diversity in Indian Culture SROUTI MODHA India is a land of diversity in race, region, caste, language, mate, landform, flora and fauna and so on. From ancient time till day India has repaintained this diversity from very ancient time. Mature has shaped the country so. Rightly this land has been termed as "the epitome of the world." The fundamental diversity in India is gleaned from the following. Geographical Diversity: India is a vast country with great diversity of physical features. Certain parts in India are so fertile that they are counted amongst the most fertile regions of the world while other are so unproductive and barren that hardly anything car be grown there. The regions of Indo- Gangetic Valley belong to the first category, while certain area of Rajasthan falls under the later category. From the point of view of climate, there is sharp contrast. As Minoo Massami has said that, "India has every variety of climates from the blazing heat of the plains, as hot in places as hottest Africa-Jacobabad in Sindh- to freezing point (the Arctic cold of the Himalayas). The Himalayan ranges which are always covered with snow are very cold while the deserts of Rajasthan are well known for their heat. The country also does not get uniform rainfall. There are certain areas like Cherapunji in Assam which get almost 460" of rain -fall per year which is considered to be world's highest record on the other hand, Sindh and Rajasthan get hardly 3 inches...
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...Religion and Morality REL1300 Melissa Giovengo July 14, 2014 Being born was not a choice. Someone, or something, has made the universe in which all life is sustained. Therefore, the question of “who or what” may never be answered until the afterlife. Yet, questions still evolve as to what makes a human being decide what is right, or wrong in their walk as a citizen of the world. As to the choices of being right this essay is referring to the moral equates of truth, respect, and the honor of human life. As to the choices of being wrong references will be made to lies, sin, and the disregard for human life. Looking at the similarities of Islam and Christianity one can find many common ideologies between the two religions. Although there may be some likeness between these two powerhouse religions there are certainly many differences to be discussed. It would be important to note that in the belief of Islam one similarity between Islam and Christianity are that both believe in one God. The Muslim faith is a monotheistic religion and they are very firm in their dedication and commitment to Allah. Christianity, too, is a belief in one God. Monotheistic in principle; however, some differences exist because of a belief in one God in three persons, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. These three are one, yet separate. For example, an egg is one, however; it has a shell, a yolk, and the white. These three parts make up one egg. Christians believe in one God with three...
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...Running Head: Vegetarianism Vegetarianism [Name of Writer] [Name of Institution] Vegetarianism Introduction The habit of living exclusively on vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals and not including meat is known as vegetarianism (Beardworth, 2005). Vegetarianism has been practiced for various reasons. They may be ethical, austere or health reasons. Vegetarians do not include any kind of meat in their diet. Studies have shown that well organized vegetarian diets are good for the human health. Most of the vegetable diets fulfill daily requirements that are needed for the human body to stay healthy. A person living on vegetable diet has low risks of fatal diseases such as cancer. The life of an individual practicing vegetarianism also increases and also helps in obesity. With the alertness of role meat in contribution to obesity, heart diseases and cancer, many people have embraced vegetarianism as a precautionary medication. Although, meat is easily available in various forms in the western society but people are moving towards a vegetarian diet. They prefer to have vegetables rather than meat. Many vegetarians are individuals who have the knowledge and understanding to play a role to make a society as peace as possible along with the elimination of aggression and hostility that lives in the human heart. It is not in the nature of human beings to be meat eaters. Instead, the human body is structured to eat vegetables. Vegetarianism is the healthiest way of...
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...Comparison of Two Religions Amanda Sutton Prof. Josiah Harry World Religions There are many different religions today all over the world. Particularly in India there are several religions that have impacted India and other areas deeply. There are two religions that originated and populated in India that has several similarities and also has their individualities. Buddhism and Jainism are two different religions that also share some common values and practices. JAINISM BEGAN Jainism began in India during the sixth century. (Ajmera, 2008)Many signs of Jainism have been traced back to the Indus Valley civilization; just as well as many other Indian religious traditions have developed also. Jainism is a religion of non-violence in its entirety. It is an ascetic religion, therefore is practiced in its fullest by monks and nuns. Although Jainism was believed to be created before, Jainism was taught and delivered from its main teacher Mahavira, The Great Hero. Mahavira, was the prince of a Kshatriya clan that renounced his responsibilities to wander off and seek his spiritual being. Mahavira achieved liberation and perfection after extensive and extreme meditation, fasting, and silence. After this liberation Mahavira was able to lead many followers to help deliver the message of these spiritual practices. JAINISM RELIGIOUS PRACTICES Jains believe that the world has no beginning and no end, no creator nor a destroyer. They also believe that they are the ones to decide their...
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...Comparison of Jainism and Hinduism REL212 – World Religions July 28, 2013 Comparison of Jainism and Hinduism The two religions that we are comparing are going to be Jainism and Hinduism. The origin of Jainism is India which was formed in 550 BCE (Gunn). It is one of the oldest religions in the world and is taught by Tirthankaras which are also known as Jina. The origin of Hinduism is also India. It has no founders and the earliest forms date to 1500 BC or earlier. Three of Jainism foundational spiritual beliefs are non-violence (ahimsa), non-absolutism (anekanta), and non-possession (apraigraha). The first foundational spiritual belief is the principle of non-violence, which is strong in Jain teachings. It embraces the well-being of all animals that are visible and invisible. According to Akaranga Sutra, IV: Lesson 1, it says: one should not injure, subjugate, enslave, torture or kill any animal, living being, organism or sentient being (Fisher). The second, non-absolutism, is another principle in Jainism that encourages avoiding anger and judgment. A person has to remain open-minded by remembering that any issue can be seen from many angles, all partially true (Fisher). Last but not least, non-possession is a principle that teaches to let go of things and people. It states that acquiring material things possess us by driving our emotions. The more a person is attached to worldly things the more they are likely to commit sin to obtain that possession (Shah)...
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...Before Jainism evolved all of India was Hindu. India was divided into several independent City States ruled by “Kings who ruled over these Democratic independent City States” (Shah 101). Although Kings were political rulers, court priest ruled over the religious and spiritual decisions of the City States. These priests were called “Brahmin priest”. “These Brahmin priest conducted animal sacrifices for their kings so that the latter could gain entry to heaven, beget a son, get a kingdom, or a bridegroom for their daughters. The sacrifices were for God or for the Gods of rain, water, or fire, and etc” (Shah 101). The result of the Brahmin priest animal sacrifices created Jainism and even Buddhism to develop in India. The births of these two religions created a revolt against the Brahmin tradition of killing any living soul. Initially the Brahmins ignored the uprising of Jainism and Buddhism but it quickly begun taking an interest in India. “Jainism spread first predominately to the south and then northward to come to Gujarata on the west coast, which is the main center of Jainism today” (Shah, 101). Jainism is a “religion that has developed over 2500 years ago in India around the 6th century BCE This is about 500 years before Jesus Christ and about 1100 years before the prophet Muhammad and Islam” (Shah 100). The birth place of Jainism was in a State in Eastern India called “Magadha”. “Jainism started by Lord Mahavira (Maha = great, Vira= a warrior), the founder of Jainism lived...
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...Jainism is one of many religions born in India. Jains live and worship in an effort to free the soul through the ethical pillars. The Jiva is that which grows, decays, fluctuates, varies, eats, sleeps, awakes, acts, fears, rests, has knowledge and perception, attempts to self defend, and reproduces. These and more qualities of the jiva are obvious through a physical body when the soul is present in it but when the soul leaves these qualities cease. These qualities are external features and consciousness (chetan) is the basic inner feature of the soul. This also makes it clear that the body and the soul are separate entities. The concept of the soul learning to extricate itself from the lower self and its attachments to the material world by purifying one’s ethical life is a theory that can be used by all. Karma is the belief that our actions influence the future course of our current live, and our lives to come. Our success or failure in life is directly related to how we treat and interact with others. Karma answers the question of why some people are better in school then others, or why some people are wealthier then other’s. Christian’s would consider those who have great success and happiness to have favor in the sight of God. The concept of Ahimsa (non-violence) is one that is practiced strongly in the teaching of Jainism. Jain theory teaches that all life is scared and that humans have no special right to supremacy. Jain teachings take into consideration even...
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