Jainism
by Yuvi - November 15, 2020
Jainism
AIM TENETS/PHILOSOPHY OF JAINISM
1) Nirvana or Salvation
2) Five-fold doctrine –
a. Satya (truth)
b. Ahimsa (non-violence)
c. Aparigraha (non-possession of property)
d. Asteya (not to receive anything that is not freely given)
e. Brahmacharya (celibacy)
3) Three jewels (Ratnatreya) –
a. Right belief
b. Right knowledge
c. Right action
4) Non-existence of God
5) No Caste system
6) No sacrifices
7) 13 main sins –
a. Violence
b. Telling a lie
c. Stealing
d. Masturbation
e. Use of intoxicants
f. Anger
g. Covetousness
h. Pride
i. Rage
j. Jealousy
k. Quarrel
l. Levying false changes
m. Speaking ill of others
8) Jainism accords respectable position to women. They are also allowed to join the Sangha.
9) There are 2 sects – Digambara who remain naked and Svetambara who cover body with simple dress.
Contribution of Jainism in education
1) It has provided us with a way of life, a sort of moral code which every household can follow.
2) Religion is a simple and not a costly affair.
3) Popularisation of “Prakrit” gave impetus to languages of common man.
4) Jainism promoted the growth of Kannada and Tamil literature.
5) Several welfare programs for common man were undertaken.
6) There was enrichment of art and architecture. Eg. Jain temples at Mount Abu, Elephanta and Ellora caves.
