Like Buddhism, Jainism also emerged as a heterodox sect of
Brahmanism, which later on transformed as a full-fledged religious
ideology. In 600 B.C., Vardhamāna Mahāvira rose to prominence as an
important proponent of Jainism, who managed to build up a large group of
followers for the faith. The Jain philosophy promotes a non-violent and
harmless existence for the welfare of the universe. Traditionally,
there have been 24 Tirthankāras (ford-makers), who preached the faith,
and aided people to achieve salvation.
The first and the foremost principle on with the Jain faith rests is that of non-violence (Ahimsā). The Jains believe that all living things, plants and animals alike, have living souls, and are thus equivalent to each other. Harming any of the living things is hence, a great sin. In lieu of this, the Jains strictly adhere to vegetarianism, as killing of animals is prohibited in the religion. Added to this, there are five great vows (Mahāvrata) that every Jain is expected to take, and follow all through his life. These are ahimsā (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (abstinence from stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy), and aparigraha (renunciation). The Jains believe in the concept of reincarnation, and according to Jain metaphysics, reincarnation and salvation depend on the deeds that an individual performs throughout his life.
Jainism does not believe in the concept of God as a supreme entity. On the contrary, they believe in venerating mortal beings, who are worthy of worship. Jainism has thus been regarded as a transtheistic faith, in which the existence of God is debatable. The Jains do worship images of the Tirthankāras in their temples, and all of these images bear elaborate iconographies. However, the purpose of worship in Jainism, is to attain spiritual purification. Furthermore, monasticism and meditation have been regarded important in the Jain faith.
Jainism is one of the smallest of the major religions of the world. Majority of the Jain population of the world resides in India. The Jain community makes about 0.5% of India's total population, followed by 0.3% in Suriname, and 0.2% in Fiji and Kenya.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-religions.html
The first and the foremost principle on with the Jain faith rests is that of non-violence (Ahimsā). The Jains believe that all living things, plants and animals alike, have living souls, and are thus equivalent to each other. Harming any of the living things is hence, a great sin. In lieu of this, the Jains strictly adhere to vegetarianism, as killing of animals is prohibited in the religion. Added to this, there are five great vows (Mahāvrata) that every Jain is expected to take, and follow all through his life. These are ahimsā (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (abstinence from stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy), and aparigraha (renunciation). The Jains believe in the concept of reincarnation, and according to Jain metaphysics, reincarnation and salvation depend on the deeds that an individual performs throughout his life.
Jainism does not believe in the concept of God as a supreme entity. On the contrary, they believe in venerating mortal beings, who are worthy of worship. Jainism has thus been regarded as a transtheistic faith, in which the existence of God is debatable. The Jains do worship images of the Tirthankāras in their temples, and all of these images bear elaborate iconographies. However, the purpose of worship in Jainism, is to attain spiritual purification. Furthermore, monasticism and meditation have been regarded important in the Jain faith.
Jainism is one of the smallest of the major religions of the world. Majority of the Jain population of the world resides in India. The Jain community makes about 0.5% of India's total population, followed by 0.3% in Suriname, and 0.2% in Fiji and Kenya.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/different-types-of-religions.html
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