What is Jainism about?

Question

Is it like Buddhism in anyway?

I am sorry I forgot the religion section is only for atheistv.christian discusions.

Heaven/nothingness forbid someone ask a question....

Answer 1

Jains believe all souls are equal because they all possess the potential of being liberated and attaining Moksha. Jains believe that every human is responsible for his/her actions and all living beings have an eternal soul, jīva. It insists that we live, think and act respectfully and honor the spiritual nature of all life. Jains view God as the unchanging traits of the pure soul of each living being, chiefly described as Infinite Knowledge, Perception, Consciousness, and Happiness (Ananta Jnana, Ananta Darshana, Ananta Caritra, and Ananta Sukha). Jains do not believe in an omnipotent supreme being, creator or manager (karta), but rather in an eternal universe governed by natural laws and the interplay of its attributes (gunas) and matter (dravya).

Jain scriptures were written over a long period of time, but the most cited is the Tattvartha Sutra, or Book of Reality written by the monk-scholar, Umasvati almost 1800 years ago. The primary figures are Tirthankaras. There are two main sects called Digambar(Nude Ascetics equivalent to Hindu Avadhootas) and Shvetambar(white clothes), and both believe in ahimsa (or ahinsā), asceticism, karma, sanskar, and jiva.

Compassion for all life, human and non-human, is central to Jainism. Human life is valued as a unique, rare opportunity to reach enlightenment. To kill any person, no matter what crime they committed, is considered unimaginably abhorrent. It is the only religion that requires monks and laity, from all its sects and traditions, to be vegetarian. Some Indian regions have been strongly influenced by Jains and often the majority of the local non-Jain population has also become vegetarian. History suggests that various strains of Hinduism became vegetarian due to strong Jain influences. In many towns, Jains run animal shelters. For example, Delhi has a bird hospital run by Jains.

Jainism's stance on nonviolence goes much beyond vegetarianism. Jains refuse food obtained with unnecessary cruelty. Many are vegan due to the violence of modern dairy farms, and others exclude root vegetables from their diets in order to preserve the lives of the plants from which they eat.[2]. Potatoes, Garlic and onions in particular are avoided by Jains. [3] Devout Jains do not eat, drink, or travel after sunset.

Answer 2

Jainism (pronounced in English as IPA [ˈdʒeɪ.nɪzm̩]), traditionally known as Jain Dharma (जैन धर्म), is a dharmic religion and philosophy originating in Ancient India. The Jains follow the teachings of Tirthankaras. The 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira lived in ca. 6th century BCE. A small but influential religious minority in modern India, with growing immigrant communities in the United States, Western Europe, Africa, the Far East and elsewhere, Jains continue to sustain the ancient Shraman (श्रमण) or ascetic tradition.

Jains have significantly influenced the religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for over two millennia. Jainism stresses spiritual independence and equality of all life with particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control (व्रत, vratae) is vital for attaining omniscience (kevala jnana) and eventually moksha, or realization of the soul's true nature.

The Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship. The Jains are the best educated religious community in India (Jains in India according to 2001 census), and the Jain libraries are India's oldest.[1] See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism for more information on this.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

Do a search for it. There is plenty about Jainism out there.

Answer 4

it is extreme pacifism... do no harm in any way. many janes will go to the extreme of breathing through masks so they don't kill bacteria in the air that would die from the sudden change in temp. they won't eat meat and often they won't eat fruit unless it has fallen from the tree on it's own...

Answer 5

The search engine (http://www.yahoo.com ) is your friend (http://www.religioustolerance.org/jainism.htm )!

Answer 6

http://www.religioustolerance.org/jainism.htm