The origins of Jainism can be traced back to the Indus River valley civilization
of 3000 B.C.
Jains believe that there were 24 great teachers the last of whom was Lord
Mahavira who lived during 6th century B.C. These twenty-four teachers are
called Tirthankaras-people who had attained all knowledge while living
(Moksha) and preached it to the people. Thus, there is not one all-powerful
supreme being that controls all.
Jains believe in reincarnation. Their souls, which are believed to be a unique
substance in the universe, take different living forms in the cycle of birth,
death, and rebirth. This cycle has been going on forever, the universe has no
beginning or end, it has always been and always will be.
The ultimate goal is to get rid of one's karma on their soul so that they may end
this cycle. Once this goal is reached their soul has attained all knowledge and it
rests in the heavens forever (Nirvana).
Karma theory is about actions and the results they bring to the soul's path. It is
the simply the law of cause and effect with respect to the soul.
E.G. One's actions for today will effect what will happen to them in this or their
future lives.
The way to get rid of one's karma is to follow certain rules of doing good
somewhat similar to the ten commandments. These include the principles of:
1. Ahimsa - To protect all life (non-violence)
2. Satya - To speak truth
3. Asteya - To not steal
4. Brahmacharya - To not commit adultery
5. Aparigraha - To limit one's possessions
Jains uphold these principles by practicing vegetarianism, non-violence in
thought, deed, and action.
Jains perform their sacred rituals at the temple or Derasar. Some of these rituals
are:
1. Puja - Concentrating on one's soul through intense prayer sometimes in
the presence of sculptures of the teachers to serve as an example of how
to attain Moksha.
2. Samayik - Forty-eight minute ritual that asks for forgiveness for one's
sins
3. Namokar Mantra - A short prayer that can be said at any time that
shows obeisance to the perfect souls that have achieved Nirvana.
o The biggest event in the Jain calendar is the holy week (8-10 days) of
Paryushan where Jains reflect upon their actions throughout the past year. The
week takes place in August or September and is concluded by a three hour
prayer called Pratikraman.
From Quora
In order to understand the Jain philosophy, the basic topics to be covered from any
authentic source can be as follows-
1. Jeev Vichar (To understand the 4 realms of existence of a soul and different
living species in this universe)
2. 7 Tattvas (7 tattvas/fundamentals of this universe)
3. 6 Dravyas (6 constituent elements in this universe)
4. Karma Siddhant (Doctrine of Karma, their 8 major types, and subtypes, their
mintute details ,association of Karmic matter and soul… ,etc)
5. Ratnatray (Ratnatray i.e 3 Jewels comprising Correct Faith,Knowledge, and
Conduct, their utmost importance for attaining liberation,etc)
6. Moksha Marg( Journey of a soul to liberation(Moksha) by climbing the
spiritual ladder(Gunasthan), from the 1st to the 14th Gunasthan, difficulties
encountered in the journey, the guiding lights(Arihants and Siddhas) on the
path to liberation etc.)
Other important topics to be covered in the following order -
1. Jain Epistemology( Philosophy of Anekantavada, Syadavada, Nayavada
,Non-creationism, atomic theory, etc)
2. Timeline of Jainism(History of ‘63 Shalaka purusa(Notable/Famous people)’
taking birth in every half cycle(Descending or Ascending) of time along with 9
Naradas, 11 Rudras ,24 Kamadevas,14 Kulakaras and, 24 Mothers and 24
Fathers of Tirthankars).
3. Jain Cosmology(Describing the complete universe with minute details)
4. Jain Ethics(Describing in detail the Anuvratas(partial vows) of a Householder
and Mahavratas(complete vows) of a Jain monk), ‘Pratikraman’(to ask for
forgiveness to oneself for sins commited every moment or throughout the day)
process etc)
5. Jain Meditation(The correct practice of Jain Meditation ‘Samayika’ which
means to stay in oneself, correct body postures(Padmasana or Kayostsarg)) for
the same,etc)
6. Jain Mantras & Stotras(Importance and benefits of the
Universal/unbaised/secular ‘Namaskar Mantra’, other subordinate mantras,
Importance and benefits of famous ‘Bhaktamar Stotra’ ,other important
stotras ,etc)
Note: Shrut gyan(Jain scriptural Knowledge) is vary vast and it is recommended to
get the concepts and basics cleared from a scholar and try reading in regional
language as it will be more clear to understand than in English due to error in
actual meaning of words. This can develop wrong understanding and create
Mithyatva (False perception).
PEACE!
