5 ethics of jainism holy book

Definitely worth reading, especially if you revere nature and are dubious about monotheistic religions. Popular jainism books meet your next favorite book. Researchers and students interested in the ethics of finance, accounting and economics will find jainism and ethical finance a scholarly and illuminating evaluation of jain dharma as a nonwestern case study. Jainism jain dharma is a religion born in india in the 6thcentury bce. Jains are an important religious community and jainism preaches on different principles of virtue enriching the population. Jain texts mentions that attachment to possessions parigraha is of two kinds. In both there are lot of holy books in which many are comman. The first of these was rishabhanatha, who according to.

As one of the worlds major religions, jainism has today a very long history of a splendid tradition, with a welldefined philosophy and code of ethics. At the time of his birth, the whole town marked prosperity in term of agriculture, health, wealth and wisdom. The holy book of jainism is a collection of texts known as agam literature or the agam sutras. Of this twelve vows, the first five are main vows of limited nature anuvratas. Shri arun kumar jain, by the name suggests that he is a jain, knows nothing of jainism when he says that jainism and buddhism are post vedic, starting in the later vedic period as he puts it to 600bc. Jainism is a very ancient world religion with a history of over 3000 years, which originated in the indian subcontinent, like hinduism and buddhism. In the light of current concerns about the way global finance and banking systems operate, this book offers a timely alternative perspective. Jainism is an indian religion that emphasizes complete nonviolence and asceticism. Jainism dont have any specific holy book like the bhagavad geeta,the quran or the bible. In india, they share this feature with the buddhists. Scripture is the synonym of the holy text, which consists of religious dogmas, and assertions of an authentic authority apta purusa. The historic texts of jains accept that any activity by a layperson would involve some form of himsa violence to some living beings, and therefore the minor vow emphasizes reduction of the impact and active efforts to protect.

These vows are observed by sravakas householders partially and are termed as anuvratas small vows. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other. Hindus are in a similar position, even though they have the vedas, which can be considered the ultimate source of teaching. Mahavira 540 bce468 bce, also known as vardhamana, was the twentyfourth and last tirthankara of jainism. From the perspective of jainism, we hereby lay down the five fundamental principles of jainism that actually means the five stepbystep to live this human life in. Jaina sutras, part i sbe22 index internet sacred text. Jacobi, states in his article on jainism in encyclopaedia of religion and ethics vol. Jainworld is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of jain tradition of wisdom, compassion, equality, brotherhood, universal wellbeing and spirituality. Jainism is deeply philosophical and a very scientific religion. These books are the book of history, the book of poetry, the book of changes, the book of rites, and the spring and autumn annals. The most enjoyable parts of the book were its discussions of jainist ethics and the nature of the life force. It is considered to be much more than a book, it is deemed to be the living guru of the sikhs.

The kalpa sutra contains a biography of the founder of jainism, mahavira, as well as other founders of the religion, and a list of the successive jain leaders. If you have the book i have put the page numbers at the end of the questions where you can find the answers as a reference. This chapter examines the place of ethics in hinduism. Jainism, indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence ahimsa, literally noninjury to all living creatures overview. The jain literature which was complied by ganadharas and srutkevlis is known as agam literature. Among these five vows, nonviolence ahimsa is the cardinal principle of jainism and hence it is known as the cornerstone of. Mahavira author of jaina sutra meet your next favorite book. Wealth, property, grains, house, books, clothes, etc. Notwithstanding the radical difference in their philosophical notions, jainism and buddhism being outside the place of brahmanism, present resemblances in outward appearance, so that even indian writers occasionally have confounded them. The holy teachers are called the jina, and they are the epitome of teaching for all jains, especially the jina mahavira. Jainism traditionally known as jain dharma, is an ancient indian religion. According to jain texts, both internal and external possessions are proved to be hi.

Mahavira is said to have taught five principles to live by in order to rid oneself of karma and escape the wheel of rebirth. Jainism is an ecologically responsible way of life which is nonviolent in thought, action, and deed. Followers of jainism are called jains, and there are about 4 million worldwide. The book presents jainism in a way that is authentic and engaging to specialists and nonspecialists alike. Ascetics observe these fives vows more strictly and therefore observe complete abstinence. Mar 17, 2015 mahavira is said to have taught five principles to live by in order to rid oneself of karma and escape the wheel of rebirth. What are the top ten religions and what is the holy book for. Instead they have a body of holy writings or scriptures. Jain beliefs fundamental beliefs of jainism the soul is bounded by karma from the beginning of time.

Unlike monotheistic traditions, the jains do not have a unique holy book that characterises their faith. Jain ethics jainism has five ethical recommendations, which monks and nuns are expected to keep quite strictly. Jainism lays down five vows for the ascetic and the. Jainism teaches five ethical duties, which it calls five vows. The agam sutras show great reverence for all forms of life and strict codes of vegetarianism, asceticism, nonviolence, and opposition to war.

During the fast, you may only consume water thats been preboiled. Jaina sutras, part ii sacred books of the east vol. Everyone knows gandhi but many dont know driving force behind gandhis ahimsa. Jain ethics jainism has five ethical recommendations which.

Regarding the ability of human beings to find the truth, jainism a. Shah jain study center of north carolina raleigh 401 farmstead drive, cary nc 275115631 9194690956 and fax email. The creator of jainism was mahavira 549477 bce, a contemporary of buddha, confucius, and laotzu. Unlike most common monotheistic religions, jainism does not have one holy book that characterizes their faith. Mar 17, 2015 jainism is an indian religion that emphasizes complete nonviolence and asceticism. A guide for the perplexed is a clear and thorough account of this fascinating tradition, explaining many basic jain values, beliefs and practices in the same way they are taught to jains themselves, through the medium of sacred narratives. It explains that ethics as dharma comes first among the goals of human beings in hinduism and the scriptures insisted that other goals are to be pursued according to dharma. Jain ethical code prescribes two dharmas or rules of conduct. Guru is a sanskrit word for teacher, and within sikhism it is the title given to the 10 spiritual leaders of sikhism dating from 1469 ad to 1708 ad as well as the sri guru granth. It is prescribed in the digambara texts that a sadhu ascetic must. There are several religious sects prevailing in todays world like hinduism. Drawing from jainisms copious and influential narrative tradition, the author explores the inner. The jainism has its own scriptures called agamas or srutas, which are directly derived from the tirthankaras.

The ethical five precepts in buddhism, jainism, and sant mat. Lord mahavir, popularly regarded as the founder of jainism, was the last of the tirthankars who flourished from 599 to 527 b. Although confucianism isnt strictly a religion, it does have a number of prominent texts, considered by many followers, to be sacred. This book covers historical developments of jainism from its earliest time to its latest version. Asian humanities pressthe wonderful book that originally turned me on to jainism jainism in western garb as. Jainism emerged in 6thcentury bce india, the same time buddhism was developing. Jainism lays heavy emphasis on nonviolence ahimsa and the believers of this religion, whether a monk or a householder, follow a very strict, well disciplined life. The world of jainism this is the best book on jainism. Jainpedia themes principles jainism and scientific thought. We have certain scriptures which are considered as very sacred. Sep 10, 2009 pilgrimage pilgrimage in jainism temples on the shatrunjaya hills, gujurat an important jain site. Jain path of purification by padmanabh jaini university of california press, 1979 motilal banarsidass publishers, 1990 recommended 5 times guidelines of jainism by muni bhadrabahu vijay 1986 life force.

I was surprised to discover that jainism dates from the time of the buddha, and has such a large following today. These principles are intended to be selfverifying so that the follower discovers truths for himself rather like a research worker in a laboratory mardia 2002. A glance at its contents will reveal the fact that glasenapp has covered almost all the salient features of jainism. Jain people believe that mahavira the great hero was the last one of the twentyfour holy men jina, winners who. Teachings of jainism stress on the ideas of equality, nonviolence, spiritual liberation and selfcontrol. Twelve vows of layperson jainism literature center jain. Moral values in jainism are directed towards the deliverance of the person. Jaina ethics is considered as the most glorious part of jainism and it is simplicity itself. These texts are the holy scriptures of the jain religion. Here is the list of top 10 religion and their holy books. One for those who wish to become ascetic and another for the sravaka householders. Jainism, ethics and business jainism jain dharma is a religion born in india in the 6thcentury bce.

Jainism ritual practices and religious institutions. In this essay, i explore three possible reasons for this discursive absence, followed by an analysis of medical treatment in the jain traditionfrom rare accommodations. The faith is named for the jinas, spiritual conquerors who have achieved liberation and perfection. In fact, the householders are supposed to evolve to the monkhood in the later stages of life as was the case with the hinduism in the vedic era. Buddhism is 600bc and certainly post vedic but jainism is pre vedic and. Pilgrimage plays an important part in jain life for digambaras and some svetambaras. Jainism is transtheistic, and jains trace their spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twentyfour leaders or tirthankaras. The five great vows apply only to ascetics in jainism, and in their place are five minor vows for householders. Ahinsa ahinsa, ahinsa, ahinsa, avihinsa in jainism is a fundamental principle forming the cornerstone of its ethics and doctrine.

Laypeople, however, have the flexibility to adjust their practice to their particular life situations. Vegetarianism and other nonviolent practices and rituals of jains flow from the principle of ahimsa. Among these five vows, nonviolence ahimsa is the cardinal principle of jainism and hence it is known as the cornerstone of jainism. Agams are the jain texts which are based on the discourse. From the perspective of jainism, we hereby lay down the five. Answer 1 introduction the jewish holy book is the tanakh jewish bible, containing the torah and the prophetic books. Jainism is an eastern religion with origins in the indus river valley dating back to 3000 b. Michael tobias has described nonviolanceahimsa in great details. The book corrects misperceptions that have characterized jain ethics as extreme, and discusses how jainism is being practiced globally, including in the us heartland. It is, therefore, no surprise that jainism has propounded in great details the path of ethical discipline both for the clergy and the laity. Hinduism, buddhism, jainism, sikhism, taoism, confucianism. Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being.

The distinct feature of jainism is the interconnection between religion and morality. The practice of dharma enables them to attain this end. Jainism encourages an 8daylong or worse, unhealthy fasting during the holy time of the year. The jain rules regarding a vegetarian diet seem like theyre made up on the spot. He was born into a royal family in what is now bihar, india. Jainism jainism ritual practices and religious institutions. Instead they have a collection of holy writings and scriptures. Along with hinduism and buddhism, jainism is one of the three most ancient indian religious traditions still in existence and an integral part of south asian religious belief and practice. Jainism has always been a small community, today 57 million. Although it has some similarities with both traditions, jainism is different from them with its own unique and distinguishing features.

The allinclusive aspect of nonviolence depicts three essential ethics in day to day. Followers of jainism are called jains, a word derived from the sanskrit word jina, meaning victor. Five great vows mahavratas of jainism jainism literature. The problems with jainism guest contributor friendly. Shvetambara monks are allowed to retain a few possessions such as a robe, an alms bowl, a whisk broom, and a mukhavastrika a piece of cloth held over the mouth to protect against the ingestion of small insects, which are presented by a senior monk at the time of initiation. What mahavira has taught ages back still has its significance in modern day life. So he could be called a reformer of the jain religion or rejunevator of the faith which was already and had a long tradition. Jains see these texts, which are the transcriptions of lord mahavirs sermons, as sacred documents. Five fundamental vows are prescribed for both votaries. It shows that though hinduism has shown a strong inclination to metaphysics and spiritualism, it has certainly not ignored ethics. In jainism, the individual must ultimately find the truth for himself as no priest or scripture is believed to have the answers. The term ahinsa means nonviolence, noninjury and absence of desire to harm any life forms. Hinduism, has many holy books, but most popular is shreemad bhagavad gita, upanishads and veda. We must also recall that these are ideals that are not always lived out perfectly by individuals.

We must also recall that these are ideals that are. Although jainism has been largely absent from discourses in bioethics and religion, its rich account of life, nonviolence, and contextual ethical response has much to offer the discussion within and beyond the jain community. All beings seek bliss and try to avoid pain and loss. Books on jainism and jain philosophy hindu website. As is the practice at this site, the typography of the original has been preserved as far as possible. Apr 24, 2007 within sikhism, the holy book is called the sri guru granth sahib. A guide for the perplexed guides for the perplexed. The present book is one of the best and stimulating books ever written by scholars on jainism. Nonviolence is the supreme religion ahimsa parmo dharma. Mar 08, 2015 the ethical five precepts pancha sila from the buddhist center website, these are very universal ethical principles of nonviolence, peace and tranquility promoting spiritual development and. If i have anything wrong or any thing i should add, tell me and i will correct them. Pilgrimage pilgrimage in jainism temples on the shatrunjaya hills, gujurat an important jain site. The texts containing the teachings of mahavira are called the agamas, and are the canonical literature the scriptures of svetambara jainism mahaviras disciples compiled his.