Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma (जैन धर्म), is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is a religion and philosophy originating in Ancient India. The Jains follow the teachings of the 24 Jinas (conquerors) who are also known as Tirthankaras. The 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira lived in ca. 6th century BC. One of the main characteristics of Jain belief is the emphasis on the immediate consequences of one's behavior.[1]
Jains are a small but influential religious minority with at least 4.2 million practitioners in modern India[2] and more in 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.
Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship. The Jain community is the most literate religious community in India,[3] and the Jain libraries are India's oldest.
2007-10-18 05:19:23
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answer #1
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answered by Aredhel 2
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One of the Karmic religions. Some say that Buddha was actually a Jain and not a Hindu. Anyway, I don't know enough personally, beyond a few things I've read. Wikipedia has a good synopsis... you should go there rather than Y!A.
Update: Catholic Crusader, the question was about JAINISM not JANSENISM. Jansenism was a Catholic heresy, whereas Jainism has nothing whatsoever to do with Christianity.
2007-10-18 12:22:12
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answer #2
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answered by average person Violated 4
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All I know is that it is a Northern Indian belief system and I met a Jain in Canada earlier this decade. It is outlined in the Encyclopaedia Britannica article on the Web.
2007-10-18 12:22:08
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answer #3
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answered by jenesuispasunnombre 6
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Jansenius, bishop of Ypres, France, initiated this heresy with a paper he wrote on Augustine, which redefined the doctrine of grace. Among other doctrines, his followers denied that Christ died for all men, but claimed that he died only for those who will be finally saved (the elect). This and other Jansenist errors were officially condemned by Pope Innocent X in 1653.
Heresies have been with us from the Church’s beginning. They even have been started by Church leaders, who were then corrected by councils and popes. Fortunately, we have Christ’s promise that heresies will never prevail against the Church, for he told Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). The Church is truly, in Paul’s words, "the pillar and foundation of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15).
2007-10-18 12:22:31
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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All religions claim to be the only one to know the secrets of the universe.
2007-10-18 12:18:43
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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Ah yes, the non-harmful one.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism
2007-10-18 12:18:47
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answer #6
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answered by Dreamstuff Entity 6
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There is always a religion that claims to have all the answers... which you should question and come to a conclusion of agreement or not on your own.
_()_
2007-10-18 12:21:51
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answer #7
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answered by vinslave 7
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This just goes to show that you shouldn't believe everything you hear.
It might be, it might not be. All you are doing here is asking what others opinions are. An opinion on hearsay is worth just about nothing.
Research it yourself or you will never know any more than you do now.
2007-10-18 12:18:14
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answer #8
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answered by Dharma Nature 7
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism
2007-10-18 12:18:47
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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Here is the link to help you understand it:
http://www.jainism.org/m1.html
But, here is one that I think you would find really useful :
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs.htm
2007-10-18 12:22:46
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answer #10
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answered by kim 3
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