Many of us have heard about Jainism or Jain Religion at some point in our lives. But do we really know what Jain Dharma or Jainism is? Through the series of “BASICS OF JAINISM”. We will learn a lot of things about Jainism.
Presenting Episode 01 of BASICS OF JAINISM:
Before diving into topic, lets cover a small history about Lord Mahavira, who gave this teaching.
Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th Tirthankara (supreme preacher) of Jainism. He played a significant role in reviving and propagating Jainism in ancient India. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of Mahavira
Birth and Early Life
Mahavira was born around 599 BCE in Kshatriyakund (Lachhuar, Bihar). He was son of Great ruler, King Siddhartha (father) and Queen Trishala (mother), who were devout followers of the 23rd Tirthankara, Shree Parshvanatha.
The name Vardhamana signifies growth, reflecting the prosperity of their kingdom at the time of his birth.
Spiritual Journey
Around the age of 30, Mahavira renounced all worldly possessions and embarked on a quest for spiritual enlightenment.
He became an ascetic, practicing intense meditation and severe austerities for twelve and a half years. Eventually, he attained Kevala Jnana, which is omniscience or supreme knowledge.
Teachings and Principles
Mahavira emphasized the observance of five major vows for spiritual liberation:
• Ahimsa (non-violence)
• Satya (truth)
• Abstain from Stealing (non-stealing)
• Brahmacharya (chastity)
• Aparigraha (non-attachment)
He also taught the principles of Anekantavada (many-sided reality), which includes Syadvada (the theory of conditioned predication) and Nayavada (the theory of partial viewpoints). His teachings were compiled into the Jain Agamas by his chief disciple, Indrabhuti Gautama1.
Legacy and Celebrations
Mahavira’s birth is celebrated as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, and his salvation (nirvana) is observed during the festival of Diwali.
Historically, Mahavira was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha, both contributing to the spiritual and philosophical landscape of ancient India.
In summary, Mahavira’s life exemplifies unwavering dedication to spiritual pursuits and the profound impact of his teachings on Jainism.
Coming back to our original topic, Lets learn the BASICS OF JAINISM in 5 Points
What Is Dharma (Religion)?
Before we understand the meaning of Jain Dharma, it is absolutely necessary that we should have a thorough knowledge of the word Dharma or Religion because for thousands of years, innumerable wrong notions about Dharma have been nourished, held and propagated by people.
Dharma or religion is neither a cult nor a creed, nor is it a reserved system of any community. Dharma is not entirely related either to an individual or to a society, nor is it confined to any area. Dharma is the essential nature of an individual or an object.
24th Tirthankar of this Kaal (Time Cycle) Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir Swami has explained the meaning of Dharma as ‘Vatthu Sahavo Dhammo’ (वत्थुसहावो धम्मो) which means, Dharma is nothing but the real nature of an object, just as the nature of fire is to burn and the nature of water is to produce a cooling effect, in the same manner the real and essential nature of the soul is to seek self-realization and spiritual elevation.
Dharma acquires different definitions in different contexts but here is a simple and clear meaning of it: Dharma is the name that can be given to all the elaborate codes of conduct and ideologies that enable life to attain stability and the extreme heights of spirituality. Dharma can be the only means to understand and realize the true meaning of life. Dharma has the potential to transform an ordinary Atma (Soul) to Parmatma (Supreme Soul).
What is Jin Dharma or Jainism?
The word Jain is derived from the Word Jin or Jineshwar Parmatma who are considered as the supreme beings in Jainism. Now let us understand the meaning of the word Jin.
The word Jin means Victor-Conqueror.
The two enemies that entangle the soul (Atma) in the cycle of birth, death and rebirth are Raag and Dwesh which mean attachment and hatred. These two have been considered as the inner enemies and they are the main hurdles in attaining Moksh which means Salvation. Soul cannot liberate i.e., soul cannot attain Salvation (Moksh) without conquering these two inner enemies (Raag & Dwesh).
One who attains an absolute victory over these enemies and show us the same path is known as Jin or Jineshwar Parmatma. Moksh is liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieving a state of pure bliss and freedom from suffering.
Jineshwar Parmatmas are also known by other names such as:
A. Arihant
Ari means enemy and Hant means destroyer. One who destroys the inner enemies is known as Arihant Parmatma. Parmatma means the supreme soul.
B. Vitaraag
One who is completely independent of attachment and hatred is known as Vitarag Parmatma.
C. Sarvagya
The Omniscient, one who knows about everything of the world is known as Sarvagya Parmatma.
The Jin or Jineshwar Parmatma have followed and lived the Dharma in their lives and showed to the world the path of Moksh. The Jin or Jineshwar Parmatma gives form to the Dharma and hence it is named as Jin Dharma. Shri Adinath Prabhu was 1st Tirthankar of this Kaal, Shri Mahaveer Prabhu was 24th Tirthankar of this Kaal. Kaal means time cycle.
Who is a Jain?
The followers of Gautam Buddha are known as Buddhists, followers of Jesus Christ are known as Christians, in the same manner the followers of Jineshwar Parmatma are known as Jains. One who follows the path shown by Jineshwar is a Jain.
Such a man is a Jain to whatever nation he may belong, to whatever caste or creed he may belong, in whatever philosophical context he might have been born or bought up. Anybody and everybody can be a Jain. The Jain Dharma is not a limited or restricted religious sect or creed. Anyone can accept and follow Jain Dharma irrespective of his caste and creed.
It is not necessary that a person born in a Jain family is a Jain. A person becomes a Jain not by birth but by his Virtue (deeds). This living Dharma is meant for all.
Jainism is not only practical but fully scientific, appropriate and eco-friendly. If we want to establish peace in the world then Jainism is the best path.
Who are Tirthankar Parmatmas?
The Jineshwar Parmatma also known as Tirthankar Parmatma in their own times after achieving Kevalgyan establish the 4 main pillars of Jain Dharma that forms Chaturvidh Jain Shree Sangh which are Sadhu-Sadhvi Shravak and Shravika. Kevalgyan means Absolute Knowledge of Everything. According to Jainism, there are 24 Tirthankar Parmatma in every ascending and descending time cycle of the Universe.
What is this Time cycle according to Jain Dharma? We will surely learn about this in the future.
So basically, Jains follow the teachings of Tirthankar Parmatma. The 5 Major Teachings given by Tirthankar Parmatma are:
1 Ahimsa (Non-Violence) 2. Satya (Truthfulness) 3. Achaurya (No Stealing) 4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy) 5. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)
We will learn about these 5 principles and their benefits in detail in the future.
Concept of God in Jainism.
According to Jainism God is not a creator, but a perfected soul free from all 8 Karmas. The Tirthankars established the Chaturvidh Sangh (fourfold order Sadhu, Sadhvi, Shravak & Shravika) to guide us on the path to Moksha (liberation). Like a rough diamond, every soul is raw material with the potential to become God by shedding Karma through non-violence, detachment, and other wonderful principles mentioned in Jainism.
