Ben Morris and James Whitlinger

Jainism (Jñāna)

Kevala: Similar to enlightenment of Buddhism, Kevala is absolute knowledge and understanding. Kevala is achieved

either in this world or at the time of death. Similar to Buddhist enlightenment, when Kevala is achieved, your soul is free from action and desire, free from reincarnation and

karma. It can be achieved by following the Triratnas:• Right conduct• Right faith• Right knowledge

EXPERIENTIAL

Biography of Mahavira:Mahavira was the son of King Sidhartha and Queen Trishala

and was born in 599 BCE in east India. When he reached age thirty, shortly after the death of his parents, Mahavira (Vardhamana), left the palace to live a life renouncing all

worldly pleasures and subjecting himself to much pain and extremely long fasting periods until he achieved

enlightment. He began to teach to other people his path to enlightenment. By the time of his death at age 72, he had gained 14,000 monks and 36,000 as followers. One of his

immediate disciples, Jambu, was the last to achieve enlightenment according to scriptures.

MYTHIC

The teachings of Mahavira have been recorded in a sacred book known as the Agamas. Unfortunately, many of the

original teachings have been lost.

Texts had to be memorized by Jain monks and followers of Mahavira because of their vow of non-acquisition. Some, however, transcribed his teachings and passed them down

through many generations.

DOCTRINAL

Statues of the Tirthankaras:

MATERIAL

Five Great Vows:

1. Ahimsa- Nonviolence.2. Satya- Truth3. Asteya- Non-stealing4. Brahmacharya- Chastity5. Aparigraha- Non-possession/attachment

ETHICAL

• All Jains start out their day with a recitation of Navkaar mantra.

• Festivals:• Mahavira’s birthday in April• Mahavira’s death anniversary in October• Nine day fasting period eating only bland food

• Similar to Buddhism, Jainism’s core values are meditation and fasting. These two rituals are observed all throughout a Jainist’s life.

RITUAL

Four Varnas:1. Brahman- Priests2. Rajanya (Ksatriya)- Warriors3. Vaisya- Merchants and Landowners4. Sudra- ServantsSects of Jainism:5. Digambara -monks live completely naked -not allowed to have any possessions -cannot touch anyone of the opposite sex6. Svetambara -clothed

SOCIAL

The main disagreements between Digambara and Sventambara Jainists are details of Mahavira’s life, whether monks should wear clothes, the spiritual status of women, and which texts should be accepted as scripture.