Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence, non-possessiveness, and the pursuit of spiritual liberation. It is one of the oldest religions in the world and is known for its rigorous ethical standards and ascetic practices. Jainism teaches that the way to spiritual liberation is through ethical living, self-discipline, and asceticism.
Major Branches of Jainism:
- Digambara -
Meaning: "Sky-clad" or "clad in the sky," referring to the practice of renouncing all clothing as a symbol of complete renunciation.
Beliefs: Digambara Jains hold that true ascetics should be naked to demonstrate the renunciation of material possessions. They also believe that women cannot achieve liberation (moksha) in their current form and must be reborn as men to do so.
Practices: The Digambara sect practices extreme asceticism and focuses on rigorous self-discipline. They maintain oral scriptures, and their practices emphasize renunciation and meditation.
- Svetambara -
Meaning: "White-clad," referring to the practice of wearing simple white clothing.
Beliefs: Svetambara Jains believe that ascetics can wear simple clothes and that women can attain liberation. They accept a wider range of texts as their scriptures compared to Digambara Jains.
Practices: The Svetambara tradition includes various sub-sects and practices. Their religious texts, called Agamas, are written and include detailed instructions on rituals and ethics. They also have temples and images used in worship.
Core Principles of Jainism:
Non-violence (Ahimsa): The foundational principle of Jainism, which involves avoiding harm to all living beings and practicing compassion.
Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha): The principle of non-attachment to material possessions and desires.
Truth (Satya): The pursuit of truth and honesty in all aspects of life.
Non-stealing (Asteya): The principle of refraining from taking what is not freely given.
Celibacy (Brahmacharya): For ascetics, celibacy is practiced to maintain spiritual purity and focus.
Jainism has significantly influenced Indian culture and philosophy, and its practices and teachings continue to be a vital part of the spiritual landscape in India and beyond.
