Table of Contents:
- About Jainism and 24 Tirthankar in Jainism
- About Mahavir Swami
- Jain Doctrine
- Anekantavada and Syadvada
- Triratna of Jainism
- Types of Knowledge
- Two Jaina Sects-Digambara and Swetambara
- Jain Council
- Mahamastakabhisheka
- Important Jain literature
Notes on Jainism:
Jainism and Busshims were both contemporary, both originated in about 600 B.C. Both belonged to Vajji Mahajanpada.
There were 24 Tirthankar in Jainism. The following are brief descriptions of 24 Tirthankar and its Symbols.
1. Rishabha Natha or Adinath ( Bull)
2. Ajithnath ( Elephant)
3. Shambhava ( Horse)
4. Abhinandana ( Ape)
5. Sumati ( Heron)
6. Padmaprabha ( Lotus)
7. Suparrshva ( Swastik)
8. Chandra Prabha ( Moon)
9. Suvidi or Pushpadant ( Dolphin or Sea Dragon)
10. Shitala ( Shrivatsa)
11. Shreyams ( Rhinoce)
12. Vasupujya (Buffalo)
13. Vimala ( Boar)
14. Ananta ( Hawk or Bear)
15. Dharma ( Thunderbolt)
16. Snanti ( Antelope Deer)
17. Kunthu ( Goat)
18. Ara ( Nandyavarta or Fish)
19. Malli ( Water Jug)
20. Suvrata ( Tortoise)
21. Nimin ( Blue Lotus)
22. Nemi ( Conch Shell)
23. Parshvanath ( Snake)
24. Vardhamana Mahavira ( Lion)
The first Jain Tithanakara was Rishabhdev, who was also the founder of Jainism. The symbol of Rishabhdev is the Bull. The 23rd Trithkar was Parashnath, who is depicted by the Snake symbol. The last or 24th Trithkar was Mahavir Swami, who was contemporary to Buddha and was depicted by a Lion symbol.
About Mahavir Swami:
The childhood name of Mahavir Swami was Vardhaman.
Birth date; 540 B.C
Birthplace; Kundagrama ( Vaishali). The capital of Vajji Kingdome ( Mahajanpada).
Father Name: Siddhartha ( Gyat or Hyantri clan)
Mother Name: Trishala ( sister of Lichhvi King Chetak)
Wife: Yashoda
Daughter: Annojja Priyadarshani
Death date: 460 B.C.
Death Place ( Salvation): Pawapuri, Bihar.
His older brother's name was Nandivardhana. Mahavir Swami took permission from older brother Nandivardhana for Tapsya and Sanyasi's life. He left home at the age of 30.
Kaivalya: Got enlightenment after 12 years of penance in Jambhak village under Sal's tree and on the bank of the Rijukula river. The enlightenment event in Jainishm is called Kaivalya.
After enlightenment, Mahavir Swami becomes "Jina (conqueror)".
The first student of Mahavir Swami was Jamali (son-in-law of Mahavir Swami).
He used the Prakrit language (semi-Magadhi) in teaching.
He gave a sermon to 11 students which was called "Ganadhara".
Jain Doctrine:
Jainas; who follow the Jain. Jina means conqueror.
Jain philosophy rejects the Vedic principles and rituals, however, they did not condemn the Varna system, and, they emphasize equality. Jainism believes that being born in a higher or lower varna is the consequence of the sins or virtues of the previous birth. So, Jainism believes in the transmigration of the soul and Karma. So, Jainism believes in Rebirth.
Jainism believes that Karma is supreme; everyone gets a reward or punishment as per Karma.
They believe in Soul and its transformation. Every object has a soul, even a small particle has a soul.
Jain's philosophy believes in the existence of God, however, they believe God's position is below the position of Jina ( Mahavira).
The world is created and managed by Universal Law.
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by Universal Law.
The world is made up of two things namely Jiva ( Conscience) and Atma ( un-conscience).
Anekantavada and Syadvada:
Jainism believes in Anekantavada and Syadvada. Anekantavad means multidimensions of truth. Each object has many qualities and properties, so reflects much truth. The method of language used for multidimensional truth is known as Syadvad.
Syadvad is the theory of maybe.
Syadvada recognizes that language and concepts are inherently limited and that all statements are valid only from a particular standpoint, in a particular context, and for a particular duration.
According to Syadvad, seven modes of prediction are possible, it is also known as Saptabhangi Nyayvada.
Absolute affirmation and absolute negation both are wrong.
Triratna of Jainism ( Short Name KFC);
- K: Right Knowledge
- F: Right Faith
- C: Right Conduct;
A person who wished to know the truth must follow the following five principles also known as Panch Mahavartas ( five vows);
- Ahimsa-non violence
- Satya; truth
- Asteya; no stealing
- Aparigraha; no acquiring property
- Brahmacharya
Four ( Ahihma, Satya, Astey, and Aparigraha) were given by Parasnath ( the 23rd Tirthanker), and the fifth one( Brhampacharya) was later added by Mahavir Swami ( 24th Trithankar).
Types of Knowledge;
Jainism believes in the five types of knowledge namely-
- Mati Jyan
- Shruta Jyan
- Avadhi Jyan
- Mahaparayana Jyan
- Keval Jyan ( Kaivalya)
Mati Jyan is obtained by normal means of mind and sense while Shruta Jyan is obtained by signs, words, or hearing means.
Avadhi Jyan is obtained without means of mind and sense by visualizing the past, present, and future, it is spiritual knowledge.
Mahaparayana Jyan through other living beings.
Kaivalya in Jainism is also known as Complete Intellect. Keval Jyan is the highest knowledge, it is soul knowledge. Once this is obtained, the soul will attain final liberation and life will end.
Two Jaina Sects:
The division of Jaina sects occurred mainly due to famine in Magadha which compelled Bhadrabahu and his follower to move to South India. During 12 years of Famine, Sthulabhadra and his follower remained in Magadh.
After the end of the famine, when both followers of Bhadrabahu and Sthulabhadra met, they had differences in their practices, as a result, two sects emerged namely Swetambara and Digambara.
Digambara:
Monks of Digambara believe in complete nudity. Male monks do not wear any cloth while female monks wear unstitched plain cloth. That is why, the Digambara sect believes that women cannot achieve liberation.
Monks of Digamabara sects follow all five principles of Jainism namely Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, Aparigraha, and Brahmacharya.
It is most popular in Southern India.
Bhadrabahu was the main propounder of Digambara.
Major sub-sects of Digambara are Terapantha, Taranpantha, Samaiyapantha, Bisapantha, Yapaniya, and Mula Sangh,
Swetambara:
Sthulabhadra was the main propounder of Swetambara.
Monks of Swetambara wear white clothes. That is why, they believe women can achieve liberation in this life.
Monks of this sect follow only four principles that were given by Parasnatha ( 23rd Trithankara) namely Satya, Ahimsa, Asteya, and Aparigraha.
This sect is mostly famous in Northern India.
Major sub-sects of Swetambara are Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi, and Murtipujaka. The Sthanakwasi sect is known for its emphasis on simplicity, meditation, and scriptural study.
Jain Council:
There were two Jain councils.
First Jainism Council;
Date: About 300 B.C.
Venue: Patliputra
President: Sthulbhadra ( main propounder of the Swetambher sect)
King; Chandragupta Maurya
Second Jain Council :
Date: Around 512 C.E.
Venue: Vallabhi, Gujarat
President: Devardhi Kshmasramana
Major work; Final compilations of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas
Mahamastakabhisheka:
Mahamastakabhisheka refers to the Abhisheka of the Jain idol Bahubali. Bahubali was the son of Rishavdeva ( first Jain Tirthankara). Other names of Bahubali are Gommateshwara and Kammateshwara. The statue of Gometeshawr or Bahubali Statue is located in Shravanvelgola, Karnataka. Chandragupta Maurya died in Shravanbela Gola by practicing fasting to death ( which is also known as Sallekhana or Samlehna or santhara or Samadhi-marana or Sanyasana-marana).
Important Jain literature;
Jain literature is classified into two types namely Agam Sutra ( Canonical literature) and Non-AGam literature.
Agam Sutra is the sacred text of Jaina and they are generally written in Ardha-Magadhi or Prakrit language. While Non-Agam literature is an explanation work of Agam literature that is written in many languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, and English.
Kalpsutra Jain's text ( Sanskrit) was written by Bhadrabahu. Kalpsutra is the autobiography of Jain Tirthanker.
Parishisht Parvan was written by Hemanchand.
Syadvad Manjari Jaina's text was written by Mallisen.
Nyaytavar Jaina's text was written by Sidhsen Diwakar.
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