Jainism: Mahavira, Philosophy & Sects Jainism: Mahavira, Philosophy & Sects

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. The word 'Jain' is derived from 'Jina', meaning 'conqueror' – one who has conquered passions and desires. The founders of Jainism are known as Tirthankaras (ford-makers), who are spiritual teachers who have attained omniscience (Kevala Jnana) and teach the path to liberation.

• There are traditionally 24 Tirthankaras in the current half-cycle of time.
• Rishabhanatha (also known as Adinatha) is considered the first Tirthankara and the founder of Jainism. His mention is found in Rig Veda and some Puranas. His symbol is a Bull.
• Parshvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara. He was the son of King Ashvasena and Queen Vama of Varanasi. He renounced the world at the age of 30 and attained enlightenment after 84 days of asceticism. He preached four main vows: Non-violence (Ahimsa), Truthfulness (Satya), Non-stealing (Asteya), and Non-possession (Aparigraha). His symbol is a Serpent.
• Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara. He is considered the real founder and popularizer of Jainism. His symbol is a Lion.

Vardhamana Mahavira was instrumental in shaping and popularizing Jainism as we know it today.

• Birth: Born in 599 BCE (some sources say 540 BCE) at Kundagrama (near Vaishali), Bihar.
• Parents: Siddhartha (head of the Jnatrika clan) and Trishala (sister of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka).
• Childhood Name: Vardhamana.
• Clan: Jnatrika clan.
• Kshatriya Prince: Belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty.
• Marriage: Married to Yashoda and had a daughter named Anojja (Priyadarshana).
• Renunciation: At the age of 30, he renounced his family and worldly life, becoming an ascetic.
• Asceticism: For 12 years, he practiced intense penance and meditation.
• Enlightenment (Kevala Jnana): At the age of 42, under a Sal tree on the bank of the Rijupalika river near Jrimbhikagrama, he attained supreme knowledge (Kevala Jnana). From then on, he was called Mahavira (Great Hero), Jina (Conqueror), Nirgrantha (free from fetters), and Arhat (worthy one).
• First Sermon: Delivered at Pava.
• Death/Nirvana: Attained Nirvana at Pava (Pawapuri), Bihar, at the age of 72 (527 BCE or 468 BCE).

Jainism emphasizes a strict ethical code for spiritual liberation.

• Triratna (Three Jewels): These are the path to liberation (Moksha) in Jainism.
  • Samyak Darshana (Right Faith): Belief in the teachings and Tirthankaras of Jainism. It is about having a correct perspective of reality.
  • Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): Accurate and adequate knowledge of the Jain doctrine, free from doubts and misconceptions.
  • Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Adherence to the five great vows (Mahavratas) and other ethical principles.
• Five Vows (Pancha Mahavratas): These are the ethical principles for Jain ascetics. For laypersons, they are observed in a less strict form (Anuvratas).
  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Not to cause harm to any living being (physical, verbal, or mental). This is the most fundamental principle.
  • Satya (Truthfulness): To speak the truth, but only if it does not cause harm.
  • Asteya (Non-stealing): Not to take anything that is not given.
  • Brahmacharya (Chastity/Celibacy): Complete abstinence from sexual activity for monks and nuns; fidelity for householders. This vow was added by Mahavira.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): To limit one's possessions and renounce attachment to material things.

Jain philosophy is known for its unique epistemological and metaphysical doctrines.

• Anekantavada (Doctrine of Manifold Aspects): This is the metaphysical doctrine that reality is multi-faceted and has infinite aspects. No single viewpoint can capture the whole truth. It emphasizes that truth and reality are perceived differently from different points of view, and no single point of view is the complete truth. It promotes intellectual non-absolutism.
• Syadvada (Doctrine of Conditioned Predication / 'May Be' or 'Perhaps'): This is the epistemological doctrine that expresses Anekantavada in linguistic terms. It states that every statement about reality is true only from a certain perspective (syat). It uses the prefix 'syat' (meaning 'in some respect' or 'from a certain point of view') before every proposition to indicate its partial truth. It avoids dogmatism and promotes open-mindedness. There are seven forms of Syadvada, known as Saptabhangi Naya.
• Karma Theory: Jainism believes in a highly complex and mechanistic theory of Karma, where karma is a subtle, material substance that attaches to the soul based on one's actions, determining future births and experiences. Liberation (Moksha) is achieved by shedding accumulated karma and preventing new karma from attaching.
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The central tenet, extending to thoughts, words, and deeds, and to all forms of life.

A major schism occurred in Jainism around the 3rd century BCE, leading to two main sects.

• Background: A severe famine in Magadha lasting 12 years forced a group of Jains, led by Bhadrabahu, to migrate to South India (Karnataka). Another group, led by Sthulabhadra, remained in Magadha.
• Digambara (Sky-Clad):
  • Monks practice complete nudity, symbolizing absolute non-possession and detachment from worldly things.
  • Believe that women cannot achieve liberation (Moksha) directly; they must be reborn as men first.
  • Believe that Mahavira remained unmarried and did not accept the 19th Tirthankara, Mallinatha, as a female.
  • Do not accept the authenticity of the Shvetambara scriptures.
  • Prominent in South India.
• Shvetambara (White-Clad):
  • Monks and nuns wear white clothes, believing that it is not necessary to practice nudity to attain liberation.
  • Believe that women can achieve liberation.
  • Believe that Mahavira was married and accept Mallinatha as a female Tirthankara.
  • Accept a collection of scriptures (Agamas) as authentic.
  • Prominent in North and West India.

Two major Jain councils were held to codify and preserve the Jain scriptures.

Jain literature is vast and primarily written in Prakrit (Ardhamagadhi) and Sanskrit.

• Jain Literature (Agama Sutras): The sacred texts of Jainism. The Shvetambaras accept 45 texts, including 12 Angas, 12 Upangas, 10 Prakirnakas, 6 Chhedasutras, 4 Mulasutras, and 2 Chulikasutras. The Digambaras do not accept these texts as authentic, believing the original Agamas were lost.
• Important Texts:
  • Kalpa Sutra: Written by Bhadrabahu, it contains biographies of the Tirthankaras, especially Parshvanatha and Mahavira.
  • Bhagavati Sutra: Contains details about Mahavira's life and the lives of other prominent Jains.
• Language: Early Jain texts were written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit. Later, Sanskrit was also used.
• Jain Architecture: Famous sites include Dilwara Temples (Mount Abu), Ranakpur Temple, Gomateshwara Statue (Shravanabelagola), and various rock-cut caves.
• Jain Symbols:
  • Ahimsa Hand: A hand with a wheel on the palm, symbolizing the vow of non-violence.
  • Swastika: Represents the four states of existence (heavenly beings, human beings, infernal beings, animal/plant life).
  • Chakra (Wheel): Represents the cycle of reincarnation (Samsara).
  • Lion: Symbol of Mahavira.
  • Bull: Symbol of Rishabhanatha.
  • Serpent: Symbol of Parshvanatha.
• Important Terms:
  • Kevala Jnana: Omniscience, supreme knowledge, the goal of Jain asceticism.
  • Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
  • Jiva: Soul (living substance).
  • Ajiva: Non-soul (non-living substance, e.g., matter, space, time, dharma, adharma).
  • Samsara: Cycle of rebirth.
  • Nirgrantha: Free from fetters (a term used for Mahavira and Jain ascetics).