The primary reason for the rise of these religions was the religious unrest at that time in the country. Hence, the jain religion does not have one sacred book like the bible or koran, but it has many books complied by many followers. This book is for students and anyone else desiring to learn the basics of religion in india in a quick yet comprehensive way. It is also an excellent resource for students of jainism young and old. Our intention behind our actions of body, mind, and speech bind us with karma. The author skillfully explores jain doctrines regarding the nature of the soul and the observance of nonviolence, placing jainism within the context of hinduism and buddhism. These texts are the holy scriptures of the jain religion. The first of these was rishabhanatha, who according to. Very short introductions not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative yet always balanced discussions of the central issues in a given topic. The most often cited book of the jains is the tattvartha sutra book of.
The teachings of lord mahavira lord mahavira was born on march 30, 599 b. Followers of jainism are called jains, and there are about 4 million worldwide. Jul, 20 the vedas are the holy books of the hindus, much revered for being the fount of all knowledge. Special attention will be given to how jain ideals such as ahimsa and anekantavada the doctrine of non onesidedness can serve as a much needed and welcome panacea to the worlds strife and. The oldest jain literature is in shauraseni and ardhamagadhi prakrit agamas, agamatulya, siddhanta texts, etc. Jain religion the true nature of a substance is a religion any activities of body, mind and speech which reduces kashay anger, greed, ego, lust, etc. Jainworld is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of jain tradition of wisdom, compassion, equality, brotherhood, universal wellbeing and spirituality. This web site also offers educational information based on knowledge level. Jainism originated in india thousands of years ago and is thought to have heavily influenced the two other main belief systems of the region at that time.
The jain literature which was complied by ganadharas and srutkevlis is known as agam literature. With both nuance and balance, this text provides broad coverage of various forms of jainism and sikhism with an arresting layout with rich colors. A brief introduction to jainism the blog for culture vultures satiate your inner culture vulture with regular news and posts about cultural awareness, doing business abroad, working in a multicultural environment, hr diversity and global mobility. Jainism is an indian religion that emphasizes complete nonviolence and asceticism. A brief introduction to jainism and sikhism on jstor. The term jaina means the devotee of jinas spiritual victors. Or of jains sweeping the ground in front of them to ensure that living creatures are not inadvertently crushed. The book presents jainism in a way that is authentic and engaging to specialists and nonspecialists alike. Free ebooks an introduction to jainism book library.
Mar 22, 20 jainism evokes images of monks wearing facemasks to protect insects and micoorganisms from being inhaled. Its origin can be traced back to the prehistoric era with its ancient scriptures dating back more than four thousand years, but no specific point of origin can be cited. The holy teachers are called the jina, and they are the epitome of teaching for all jains, especially the jina mahavira. This web site has a variety of topics covered in terms of jainism. Jainism simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. All sects agree that teaching was first transmitted orally, however, the two main sects of jainism, svetambara and digambara disagree on which scriptures are authoritative, or most important. It also exists among significant populations outside of the sub continent and has over 900 million. Jinas are called so because they have won victory over passions of attachment, aversion, etc. A brief introduction to jainism and sikhism brief introductions to world religions book book details.
A brief introduction to jainism and sikhism by timothy. He explores asceticism, worship, the life of the jain layperson, relations between jainism and other indic traditions, the jain philosophy of relativity, and the implications of jain ideals for the contemporary world. This brief introduction to jainism and sikhism is designed to help readers understand these important religious traditions. The jain swastika appears in all temples and holy books, and during. Jainism, indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence ahimsa, literally noninjury to all living creatures. Since then, several enlightened souls have expounded the philosophy of jainism. Jainism dont have any specific holy book like the bhagavad geeta,the quran or the bible. In the sixth century bc, india witnessed the rise of two new religions jainism and buddhism. Ultimate goal of life is eternal release from karma. Hinduism is the religion of the majority of people in india and nepal. Project muse a brief introduction to jainism and sikhism. Buddhists believe gautama buddha, the historical buddha, rediscovered the long forgotten dharma. Thus it rejects the order of monks buddhism and jainism and nuns christianity. Fundamental beliefs of jainism the soul is bounded by karma from the beginning of time the principles governing the successions of life cycles birth, life, and death is karma.
The agam sutras show great reverence for all forms of life and strict codes of vegetarianism, asceticism, nonviolence, and opposition to war. A brief introduction to jainism and sikhism ebook, 2019. All swetambar jains believe that the proper meaning and the original intent of the. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make often challenging topics highly readable. Jainism philosophy and doctrine by jayaram v the nigantha nataputta, sir, who knows and sees all things, who claims perfect knowledge and faith in the following terms. Followers of jainism are called jains, a word derived from the sanskrit word jina, meaning victor. Jainism became prominent religion in india at the time of mahavira, who was born in about 599 b. We have certain scriptures which are considered as very sacred. A concise and plain spoken introduction to hinduism, buddhism, sikhism, and the religion of the jains. The truth has been revealed at different times by a tirthankara, which means a. It also exists among significant populations outside of. Holy drops is a treasure for all religious and spiritual information. They also used poetry to ridicule their enemies and glorify themselves.
It offers both historical overviews and modern perspectives on jain and sikh beliefs and practices. Ghosh, 1917, 308k the twentyfour jain tirthankaras pratikramana text vinod sanghavis site jain model of learning process a guide to selfless dying center for sacred science jain idols. A brief introduction to jainism and sikhism oct 1 2018. Later jain literature was written in apabhramsha kahas. A brief introduction to jainism and sikhism brief introductions to world religions. Introduction jainism originated in india thousands of years ago and is thought to have heavily influenced the two other main belief systems of the region at that time. Along with hinduism and buddhism, jainism is one of the three most ancient indian religious traditions still in existence and an. Karma the mechanism create your own fate hermann kuhn. A jain believes in jain principles and tries to act by them in everyday life. Of the 24, the last two parshvanatha and mahavira are generally accepted as historical persons, with the 23rd tirthankara predating the buddha and the mahavira by probably some 250 years. Jainism is transtheistic, and jains trace their spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twentyfour leaders or tirthankaras. The holy book of jainism is a collection of texts known as agam literature or the agam sutras. The word jina literally means the victor or the liberator. Jainism is an eastern religion with origins in the indus river valley dating back to 3000 b.
Jainism is a religion originally from india that teaches that all the events in the universe are selfcaused, random, fixed and are independent of previous events or external causes or god. Jainism evokes images of monks wearing facemasks to protect insects and micoorganisms from being inhaled. Agams are the jain texts which are based on the discourse. Jainism and the new spirituality is valuable reading on spiritual values, world religions, the multifaith movement, peace, ecology and social justice.
Has information about shrimad rajchandraji and the atmasiddhi. Shatkhandagam and dhavala ratna karanda sravakachara of a. Jainism is an ancient religion, which originates from eastern india. This highly readable book provides an excellent introduction to an ancient and complex tradition that predates the birth of the buddha. The faith is named for the jinas, spiritual conquerors who have achieved liberation and perfection. A war between two tribes that lasts a few hours or a day may be followed by. Books on jainism and jain philosophy hindu website. This book is a brief introduction to the jain religion, including a close look at its inception and how it evolved over time to its present day status. The vedas are the holy books of the hindus, much revered for being the fount of all knowledge.
Many classical texts are in sanskrit tatvartha sutra, puranas, koshas, shravakacharas, mathematics, nighantus etc. Hinduism a brief overview of the development of hinduism. Along with buddhism, jainism is the most important reform movement to separate from the main body of hinduism and establish an independent unit. Taurus introductions to religion book online at best prices in india on. It teaches that the universe is eternal and that every living being. Jainism emerged in 6thcentury bce india, the same time buddhism was developing. This term does not appear in any of the sacred literature of india. An introduction, is a thoroughly researched overview of the jain tradition, a religion and set of philosophical constructs that have influenced indian thought for over 2500 years. A brief introduction to islam the blog for culture vultures satiate your inner culture vulture with regular news and posts about cultural awareness, doing business abroad, working in a multicultural environment, hr diversity and global mobility. A brief overview of the development of hinduism there are several important historical facts about hinduism that are relevant to the humanist context. Jainism is an ancient religion and eternal with 24 tirthankaras. A short introduction to the quran quran add comments. Online shopping for jainism other religions from a great selection at books store.
Sikhism rejects the concept of chosen people as in judaism and caste system as in hinduism. The religion centres on the progress of ones soul towards a divine consciousness through selfreformation, wisdom and selfcontrol and pacifism towards. Introduction to sikhism gateway to sikhism foundation. A brief introduction to jainism and sikhism book, 2018. Religion individual person following law and order moral religious nonreligious.
Rajchandra kalpasutra, acharangacomplete translation searchable texts. The svetambaras believe that the collection of 32 or 45, the number is disputed agamas holy scriptures are the first and foremost of all holy texts. Tim dowley this brief introduction to jainism and sikhism is designed to help readers understand these important religious traditions. Introduction hinduism is a term that was coined by foreign invaders of india to designate the traditional socio. The jains believe in idol worship just like the hindus. By purchasing books through this website, you support our nonprofit organization. Jinas are also called tirthankaras the terms are synonymous meaning ford makers. Jain philosophy is the oldest philosophy of india that distinguishes body matter from the soul consciousness completely. Known and valued for its balanced approach, this text provides broad. Its advent in the 6th century bc was expected as many people were beginning to oppose the hierarchical organisation and formalised rituals of hinduism, the dominant religion in india the word jain is derived from jina, which means the one victorious over the self and the external world. The jinas, or tirthankaras, are religious teachers who, jains believe, have attained enlightenment and omniscience by conquering samsara. This video gives a brief introduction to these mystic texts. Ancient history encyclopedia receives a small commission for each book sold through our affiliate partners. 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.