Jainism originated in northeastern India as a rejection of aspects of Hinduism like animal sacrifice and the caste system. It is centered around 24 great teachers called tirthankaras, with the most important being Mahavira. Jains believe in nonviolence, nonattachment, karma, and reincarnation. They seek to purify the soul through moral behavior and spiritual discipline to achieve liberation from rebirth.

1. JAINISM
Dana Bredeson
World Religions 1301-003
Mr. Matthew Bingley
October 10, 2012

2. Origins of Jainism
 Jainism was first developed in northeastern
India and was created in opposition to the
Vedic Religion.
 Some people were opposed to the animal
sacrifices and the strength of the caste system
and therefore rejected those aspects of the
Vedic Religion. They also rejected Hindu
polytheism and ritualism and longed for
greater religious simplicity.

3. Origins of Jainism
 Jains believe that there are 24 great people
that have reached perfection in the present
cycle of the universe.
 They believe that these people have been role
models and guides that have shown the way
to others.
 They call these saints “tirthankaras” which
means “crossing makers” or “ford finders.”
 The existence of these tirthankaras cannot be
proven.

4. Mahavira
 The 24th tirthankara is considered to be the greatest
of them all. He is known as Mahavira, which means
“great man” or “hero.”
 Mahavira’s legend strongly resembles that of Buddha.
Mahavira was born of noble descent and he left home
at about age 30 to live the life of a wandering holy
man. During this time, he exhibited harshness toward
himself and experienced harshness from others.
 Mahavira was extremely cautious as not to cause
injury to any living thing. He would strain whatever he
was drinking in order to avoid accidentally swallowing
an insect and stepped carefully in an effort to avoid
crushing an ant.

5. Mahavira
 He experienced great liberation after 12 years
of meditation, wandering, and extreme
mortification. He felt completely free of all
bondage to the ordinary world and fully in
control of himself. Because of this, Mahavira
is called a jina, which means “conqueror.”
 It is from this word, jina, that Jainism takes its
name.

6. What is Jainism?
 Similar to Hinduism, Jains share a belief in karma
and reincarnation. However, they see karma as
having a physical quality and believe that one’s
level of rebirth is dependent upon one’s state of
karma at the time of their death.
 Rejecting belief in a Creator, they see the
universe as natural forces in motion.
 They believe that every person has spiritual
potential and that they should purify the self, act
morally, and do good to others.
 Similar to Buddhism, they believe that everything
is full of life and capable of suffering.

7. What is Jainism?
 Jains teach that all parts of the universe are composed
of two types of reality, which are intermixed. These two
parts are jiva and ajiva. Jiva is spirit, which senses and
feels. Ajiva is matter which is not alive and has no
consciousness.
 Jains see life and consciousness in fire, rocks, and
water and even includes the miniscule life-forms that
dwell in these things.
 They see humans as containing two opposing parts – a
material side and a spiritual side. They believe that with
discipline, humans can overcome the bondage of the
material world and the body and can liberate their spirits
through insight, austerity, and kindness.
 The Jain goal is to reach a state of total freedom and to
live on in the highest realm where Mahavira and other
tirthankaras dwell.

8. Jain Ethics and Practices
 Jainism has 5 ethical recommendations. Although
monks and nuns are expected to adhere to them
strictly, there is some flexibility in regards to
laypeople.
 Nonviolence – This is the foundation of Jain ethics
and they are best known for their extreme measures
in this regard. Jain laypeople avoid occupations that
would cause any harm. Some of these occupations
include hunting, fishing, and even farming because of
the possibility of injuring insects.
 Nonlying – They believe that lying and exaggeration
are dangerous because they often cause hurt.

9. Jain Ethics and Practices
 Nonstealing – Stealing causes pain to others and
arises from improper desire
 Chastity – This means complete celibacy for the
monk or nun but means sexual fidelity to one’s
spouse for the married individual.
 Nonattachment – For laypeople, this means
cultivating a spirit of generosity and limiting one’s
possessions to what is truly necessary.
 In general, Jains practice puja before statues and
home alters, fast regularly, and often pilgrimage to
the village where Mahavira died and to great temple
complexes.

10. Sources
 Molloy, Michael. "Jainism and Sikhism."
Experiencing the World's Religions: Tradition,
Challenge, and Change. Boston: McGraw Hill
Higher Education, 2010. 190-201. Print.

11. Discussion
 What similarities does Jainism share with
some of the religions that we have studied?
What are some differences?