Jainism : heart of compassion | Ancient religions of the world

Jainism, a religion that has its roots in India, does not hold traditional belief in A God as other mainstream religions. Similar to Buddhism, Jainism represents a way of living, and upholds ahimsa (non-violence) and compassion for all living beings above all.

Ahimsa Paramo Dharma (Non-violence above all else) is the foundation of Jainism.

Sources : Wikipedia and other online resources

Disclaimer : Reviews wherever provided are my own, and not intended to hurt religious sentiments in any way.

How do Jains conduct worship?

Since Jains follow a way of living, do they even need temples for the purpose of worship, you may ask...?

The simple answer to that is 'No' they don't. 

And infact Sthanakvasi and Terapanthis are  two Jain communities who are opposed to temple worship. Even so, Jain temples have existed since ancient times and still do; where they can meditate and revere the 24 Jain tirthankaras; ie. enlightened beings and guides who paved the path for Jainism's way of living. 

A Jain place of worship (derasar), Guru basadi Moodabidri KARNATAKA

Is temple worship a good thing?

Sure, It is an opportunity to congregate and feel a sense of unity and brotherhood. A young individual visiting a temple feels a sense of worth and pride in belonging to this path of life. He understands his religion better and is there where others need him/her.

How old is Jainism?

Jainism predates Christianity for certain, and amidst considerable debate is said to also predate Hinduism.

So how old is that?

The answer to that question lies in a place called Shravanabelagola, roughly 2 to 3 hours equi-distant from Bangalore and Mysore in Karnataka, South India. Shravanabelagola's iconic monument is the 57 feet high giant monolith that has been carved from a single slab of granite. It is that of Gommateshwara Bahubali who Jain sources claim to be the son of Rishabhanatha.

Rishabhanatha known as Ādinātha tirthankara is first spiritual guru of Jainism

Rishabhanatha is known as Ādinātha tirthankara (first spiritual guru), and by that yardstick heralds the beginning of Jainism. Jain sources however state Rishabhanatha as having lived millions of years ago; leaving us with a question, instead of an answer.

The next possible clue in that case is a temple said to have the footprints of Chandragupta Maurya. Historical references indicate this great emperor of the Maurya Dynasty turned to Jainism and died at this spot 298 BCE~ atleast this is how old Jainism is. The Gommateshwara Bahubali statue was built much later in 981 AD.

How do Jain monks live ?

There are primarily 2 main sects in Jainism; Svetambara~ meaning clad in white and Digambara or sky clad/ naked (only men).

Monks of both sects have renounced worldly lifestyle, such as :

¶ all forms of possessions and attachments which includes ~ material things, family and relatives. 

¶ removed from running a household like daily chores and cooking.

¶ overcoming physical discomfort such as  heat, cold and rain .

¶ overcoming emotional needs and passions such as anger, envy, lust etc.

These tenements, they believe will help them progress on the path of realisation and ultimate liberation.

the austere life of Jain sadhavis, as the walk the path of realisation

While monks of both sects have renounced worldly lifestyle, the principal difference between both is dress.

Svetambara monks (both men & women) wear only handwoven white cotton garments. They live a simple and austere life, eat the bare minimum needed to survive, and travel by foot from one Jain pilgrimage site to another. 

Digambaras or sky clad (only men) don't wear even a thread on their body. It's an extreme way of living.

Why don't Digambaras wear any clothes?

Mahavira the 24th and last Jain tirthankara was ascetic to the point that he lived naked. It was after immense hardship that Mahavira finally attained enlightenment. It is probably for this very reason that Digambar munis live naked.

Statue of GOMATESHWARA (BAHUBALI), KARKALA, Karnataka

Nakedness is a way of pushing oneself to the point of crushing your ego. A Jain Digambar muni (monk) is thus expected to be free from delusional thinking, malice towards other living beings, envy and pride. None of those matter anymore when you are face to face with your naked vulnerability.

Nakedness is a stark reality and reminder that the purpose of an individual is, seeking the truth and in overcoming the physical plane It serves the purpose of channelising one's energy for what matters most ~ the path to understanding and liberation of the soul.

Extremity beyond reason v/z Following the flow of Life

No matter how lofty our ideals, and intentions; what good is it if we deny to our own selves that basic human dignity. Gautam Buddha also attained enlightenment, but he wore a garment. On that note, frankly, I do wish Digambar munis wrap themselves in atleast a basic piece of garment~ just for sobriety.

Following the flow of Life requires deeper humility and an acceptance to the possibility of changing times, circumstances and human temperament.

Are Jain monks involved in the functioning of temples?

Jain monks restrict themselves only to ritualistic functioning of a temple as and when needed. They do not get involved in the administrative functions. And even though they are held in awe by the general laity, they don't hold any special office or status, like a head priest etc. 

And that I think is indeed a refreshing change. Unlike some religions, the authority of priest and the religion itself commands greater significance, that the path it is supposed to lead to.

an ancient Jain temple at Halebeedu, Karnataka

What are Jains permitted to eat?

Strictly Vegetarian diet, almost to the point of obsession. The value of Life precedes everything else, and even before science proved it, Jainism already knew that trees and plants have Life.

Roots like garlic, onion and potatoes are not permitted, since microorganisms and insects from the soil get injured/ die in the process, besides the complete plant needs to be uprooted.

a fruit-laden tree

Well, then why do they even eat vegetables, since plants also have Life?

Jainism has segregated all living beings based on the number of sense organs. The greater the number of sense organs, the more the pain. For this purpose animals and birds are avoided as they have 5 sensory organs ~Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight and Hearing. Plants on the other hand have just 1 sense - Touch.

Digambara monks who  live solely on charity, accept leftover food in the cupped palms of their hands, and eat between sunrise and sunset.

Prominent Jains

According to a 2011 census a significant number of Jains live in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Even so, one cannot ignore the immense influence this miniscule community of 0.4% has on India. 

Probably for religious reasons, it's rare to find them in the field of agriculture since more living beings are hurt in the process. Instead, they are more likely to be found in the field of education, banking and business.

Among the most prominent Jain in ancient India is Chandragupta Maurya of the Mauryan dynasty. Emperor Ashoka too before he converted to Buddhism.

You would be surprised to know that Acharya Rajneesh (OSHO) or  Chandra Mohan Jain (his original name) is a Jain.

Gautam Adani, chairman of Adani group, Dilip Shanghvi of Sun Pharmaceuticals, late Indu Jain of Times group, MP Lodha of Lodha group, Devendra Jain (Inox Group), Motilal Oswal (Motilal Oswal Group) and many more names like this, who are stalwarts in business and media~ they all belong to the Jain community.

Ajit Jain of Berkshire Hathaway is also a name to reckon with in the world of international banking. Then there are those of bad repute like Mehul Choksi owner of Gitanjali Group of Diamonds.

Hutheesing Jain temple (1848), Ahmedabad- this temple is initiated and planned by Seth Hathising a wealthy trader from Ahmedabad

IMPORTANT JAIN  PLACES OF PILGRIMAGE

It is common with most conventional Indian households, that holidays mean a visit to a place of pilgrimage. So too with Jains. Jain munis used to live and meditate in caves, like the..

#1 Sittanavasal Cave Rock-Cut Jain Temple at Pudukkottai Tamilnadu

#2 The ancient rock-cut cave temples located at Udaigiri near Ellora

But through the centuries, as Jainism flourished in India, a number of temples were built that hold testimony to its grand architectural style of temple building. What is easy to note when visiting a temple is that sculptures and detailing is more intricate and elaborate in Jain temples than Hindu temples.

 

Which is the oldest Jain temple?

There is no easy answer to this question although many say it is..

#3 Shri Digambar Jain Lal mandir right opp the Red fort in Delhi

Shri Digamber Jain Lal temple, opp. Red fort- Delhi

Bhandasara jain temple is a 12th century Jain temple in Bikaner, Rajasthan

 

But knowing for a fact that Jainism is atleast 2000 years old and native to the Bharat (India) before Buddhism and Hinduism took over. A testimony to this fact lies in the layers of many present-day hindu temples especially in Tamilnadu.

 

 #4  Gommateshwara Bahubali temple, Shravanbelgola in Karnataka 

Shravanbelagola hosts the largest pilgrimage during the Mahabhishekam once every 12 years. This temple is located 2/ 3 hours mid-way between Bangalore and Mysore.

 

#5 Moodbidri and Karkala

Also in Karnataka is a cluster of Jain temples which is a testimony to its age-old legacy.

Suggested read~ A day at Moodabidri and Karkala

#6 JAIN Temple OF RANAKPUR, Rajasthan

is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain. The beautiful lavish sculptures are a sight to behold, and so too..

 

#7 Dilwara Jain temples at Mt. Abu, also in Rajasthan

one among a cluster of Jain temples at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

 

#8 The Jain cluster of temples at Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh 

How are Jain TIRTHAS different from Jain temples?

A temple is a standalone structure, wheras A TIRTHA is a complete temple complex with dharamshalas, and it can be as big as a village or town, such as... 

#9 The sacred hill of Palitana 

Here one needs to climb 3500 steps to reach atop the Shatrunjaya hill. They say Ādinātha attained enlightenment here. Palitana is about 2 hrs journey from Bhavnagar. Suggested read~ Bhavnagar to Palitana

#10  Samed Shikarji, Parasnath in Giridih district, Jharkhand 

Getting here is an arduous task indeed, with a total distance of 27 kms which also includes climbing hills. 

So, what do you think of Jainism? Do share your views and comments.

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