Jainism in India 2024
Jainism in India is an ancient Indian religion that originated around the 6th century BC. This religion is based on five major principles such as Ahimsa (Ahimsa Parmo Dharma), Satya, Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (restraint) and Aparigraha (not accumulating more wealth.
Jainism in India mainly emphasizes on penance, meditation and self-study for the purification of the soul and attainment of salvation. Followers of Jainism consider non-violence and penance important in their lives. Lord Mahavira, the founder of this religion, is considered to be the last Tirthankara, although followers of Jainism believe that 23 other Tirthankaras have been incarnated before this.
History of Jainism in India
The history of Jainism in India is very old, and its connection is deeply connected with Indian culture and civilization. Followers of Jainism believe that Lord Rishabhdev, the founder of their religion, who was the first Tirthankara, preached spiritual knowledge in this world. Rishabhdev is also mentioned in the Rigveda, which shows that Jainism has its roots dating back to the Vedic period.
Lord Mahavira, who is said to be the founder of Jainism in India, was born in Kundalpur (present-day Vaishali district) of Bihar in around 599 BC. His father’s name was Siddharth and mother’s name was Trishala. Mahavira left the palace at the age of 30 and adopted the life of a monk and after 12 years of rigorous penance, he attained Kevalgyan (ultimate knowledge. He preached principles like truth, non-violence, and non-parigraha and exhorted people to follow the path of purification of the soul.
Main Principles of Jainism in India
Ahimsa (Ahimsa Parmo Dharma): Ahimsa is considered to be the most important principle in Jainism. According to this, no harm should be done to any organism, no matter how small it is. The followers of Jainism are vegetarians and even take care of the protection of the creatures living on land, water, and air. They practice kindness and compassion towards living beings.
Satya (Speaking the Truth): Adherence to truth is another important principle of Jainism. Lying, cheating someone, or resorting to untruth is considered a sin. Jainism states that speaking the truth purifies the soul and helps a person to move forward on the path of attaining salvation.
Asteya (not to steal): Stealing any object or property is forbidden in Jainism. Taking someone’s property or things without permission is considered a sin. According to this principle a person should control his desires and use only those things which he will get honestly.
Brahmacharya (restraint): In Jainism, great importance is given to restraint and self-control. It is not just limited to avoiding physical relations, but it also speaks of the control of the mind and senses of the individual. By following restraint, a person can achieve mental and spiritual peace.
Aparigraha (not accumulating much): According to Jainism, one should accumulate as much wealth as one needs. The accumulation of more wealth and clothing can trap a person in worldly attachments and remove him from the path of attaining salvation. By following aparigraha, a person is freed from greed and attachment.
Tirthankara and Lord Mahavira
Tirthankaras have a very important place in Jainism. Tirthankaras are those who, through their enlightenment, showed the path of attaining salvation by renouncing the attachment of the world. Followers of Jainism believe in 24 Tirthankaras, of which Lord Mahavira was the last Tirthankara. Mahavira gave an organized form to Jainism and spread it to the masses.
Lord Mahavira’s message was that all beings should be looked at equally and should not hurt anyone. He taught that the path to purify the soul is in moderation, meditation and penance. Mahavira himself did 12 years of rigorous penance and attained only knowledge. His sermons emphasize the immortality of the soul and the karma principle.
Importance of Karma in Jainism
The principle of karma is important in Jainism. Karma is considered a subtle substance in Jainism that remains connected to the soul. According to Jainism, the karma of each person determines the direction of his life. Good deeds lead the soul forward on the path of salvation, while bad deeds keep the soul entangled in the shackles of the world. Followers of Jainism follow penance, meditation and restraint to get rid of the shackles of karma.
Religious texts of Jainism in India
The main religious texts of Jainism are called ‘Agam’. These texts are based on the teachings and teachings of Lord Mahavira. There are two major sects in Jainism – Svetambara and Digambara. The followers of the Svetambara sect wear white robes, while the followers of the Digambara sect remain naked and believe that the clothes are also a symbol of Maya. There are some differences in the religious texts and observances of both sects, but both follow the teachings of Mahavira.
Worship and Festivals in Jainism in India
Worship and penance are of great importance in Jainism. Lord Mahavira and other Tirthankaras are worshipped daily in Jain temples. Jain followers regularly observe fasts, fasts, and penances. Paryushan Parva and Mahavir Jayanti have special significance among the festivals. During the Paryushan Parva, Jain followers perform penance, meditation and atonement for self-purification.
Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Mahavir and on this day special pujas, discourses, and religious functions are organized in the Jain community.
Global Impact of Jainism in India
The teachings of Jainism have been influential not only in India but also across the world. His teachings of non-violence and restraint have inspired many prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. Even today, the followers of Jainism spread the message of peace and non-violence while following their religion all over the world. The message of Jainism that every living being is important and should be respected without any discrimination is relevant in today’s world as well.
conclusion
Jainism in India is an ancient religion based on purification of the soul and attainment of salvation. Its principles of non-violence, truth, non-steya, celibacy, and non-parigraha are important and relevant even today. The teachings and teachings of Lord Mahavira have spread the message of ethics, compassion, and spirituality in the society. Followers of Jainism follow their religious beliefs and give the message of non-violence and peace worldwide.