While the Jain path to freedom comes to us from a remote period in man’s history, the most recent Jinas to actually deliver its message to humanity were Lord Parshva (877-777 B.C.) and Lord Mahavir (599-527 B.C.). They were not founders of any religion, but only the last of 24 “Spiritual Victors,” Tirthankars, great omniscient teachers who lived at various times in the man’s cultural history. The current Jain order (Sangh) was reestablished by Lord Mahavir, who was the last Tirthankar of the current time period.
Jainism’s core belief is Ahimsa, or non-injury to all living beings. It preaches friendship with all living beings. All Jains are strict vegetarians, consuming only from the plant kingdom.
Jains have an important message: “Non-violence is the supreme path.” The Jain outlook places equal responsibilities on each and every one of us to preserve, protect and help each other, and live in peace and harmony. Jains have a firm conviction that amity between all humanity and life is the true wealth of our planet.
Jainism preaches unconditional universal love, tolerance and compassion for all and does not seek to make converts.
The most fundamental principles of Jainism are the A’s; these are the essence of Jainism.
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): It promotes the autonomy of life of every living being. It involves minimizing intentional and unintentional harm to any other living creature. The most fundamental principle of Jainism is the concept of Ahimsa. It emphasizes the balance and harmony both among human beings and all other forms of life. These values are reflected in the activities and have been incorporated in daily practices in their life.
2. Anekantwad (Non-Absolution): There are challenges of conditioned perception and vast reality, everyone perceive truth differently and understand a very small facet of the full reality. Because of the challenges, Jains practice Anekantwad which means multipack viewpoints. It is for these reasons that one cannot claim knowledge of absolute truth. Anekantwad makes one open-minded by acknowledging the other view point, listening, learning from other and accepting and respecting all views.
3. Aprigraha (Non-Possessiveness): Balancing our needs and desires, while staying detached from passions. It asks us to minimize accumulations of possessions and personal enjoyments. Unchecked passions can lead to great harm to oneself, family, society and the environment.
Jainism’s core belief is Ahimsa, or non-injury to all living beings. It preaches friendship with all living beings. All Jains are strict vegetarians, consuming only from the plant kingdom.
Jains have an important message: “Non-violence is the supreme path.” The Jain outlook places equal responsibilities on each and every one of us to preserve, protect and help each other, and live in peace and harmony. Jains have a firm conviction that amity between all humanity and life is the true wealth of our planet.
Jainism preaches unconditional universal love, tolerance and compassion for all and does not seek to make converts.
The most fundamental principles of Jainism are the A’s; these are the essence of Jainism.
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): It promotes the autonomy of life of every living being. It involves minimizing intentional and unintentional harm to any other living creature. The most fundamental principle of Jainism is the concept of Ahimsa. It emphasizes the balance and harmony both among human beings and all other forms of life. These values are reflected in the activities and have been incorporated in daily practices in their life.
2. Anekantwad (Non-Absolution): There are challenges of conditioned perception and vast reality, everyone perceive truth differently and understand a very small facet of the full reality. Because of the challenges, Jains practice Anekantwad which means multipack viewpoints. It is for these reasons that one cannot claim knowledge of absolute truth. Anekantwad makes one open-minded by acknowledging the other view point, listening, learning from other and accepting and respecting all views.
3. Aprigraha (Non-Possessiveness): Balancing our needs and desires, while staying detached from passions. It asks us to minimize accumulations of possessions and personal enjoyments. Unchecked passions can lead to great harm to oneself, family, society and the environment.
Swami Dharmanand, Adhyatma Sadhan Kendra, New Delhi
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