Jainism BY SOPHIA KUNKEL

History  No single Founder, truths were revealed by Tirthankaras  A Tirthankar is a normal soul born as a human, but has to earn the state of Tirthankara by Penance, equanimity, and meditation.  Jains believe in the 24 Tirthankaras- Adinatha, Ajita, Sambhava, Abhinandana, Sumati, Padmaprabha, Suparshva, Chandraprabha, Suvidhi, Shital, Shreyansa, Vasupujya,Vimala, Ananta, Dharma, Shanti, Kunthu, Ara, Malli, Muni Suvrata, Nami, Nemi, Parshva, and Mahavira  Mahavira added Chastity to the 4 other Abstinences

Sects of Jainism SVETAMBARA:  Believe that many of the Mahavira scriptures still exist  Monks wear thin, white robes DIGAMBARA:  Believe that all Mahavira scriptures are lost  Monks do not wear any clothing and live naked- "Sky Clad"

Holy Book  All contain the teachings of Mahavira and are called the Agamas  Texts had to be memorized by the monks because they were not allowed to have any religious book and were not allowed to write  Many Scriptures have been lost- Both sects disagree on whether they exist or not, but they do agree that the Texts called the Purvas are lost forever  Mahavora is NOT founder of religion  Monks/nuns now allowed to possess religious books and to write

Core Beliefs  Both sects aim to make sure their soul does not receive any more Karma so that the karma inside of them will be eliminated  Mahavira created the Three Jewels: Right Belief, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.  In the Three Jewels are the Five Abstinences: Ahisma (Non Violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (Not stealing), Aparigraha (Non Acquistion), and Brahmacarya (Chaste Living).  Believe that souls: Exist forever, always independent, responsible for actions, can be liberated from cycle of Birth, Death, and Rebirth but not all souls are capable of this.  When human dies, the soul goes to its next body instantly. May not even be human or animal Ahisma Symbol-

Places of Worship  Both sects go to Temples to worship  Priests are only there to help in rituals, and do not receive special status in the eyes of God-like beings, because in Jainism, there are no Gods

Holidays  Mahavira Jayanti- Celebrates the birth of Mahavira. Jains will gather in temples to hear scripture being read.  Paryushana- Means "to stay in one place". Jains will reflect and repent during this 8 day celebration of intensive fasting, repentance, and Pujas.  Diwali- Celebrated all through out India as the festival of lights. Plus, Mahavira gave his last teachings on this day and supposedly achieved ultimate Liberation.

Traditions  Fasting- done by more women than men. Often done at festivals/ holy days and also the Monsoon period. Done as Penance, purifies body and mind. As well as not eating, you must simply stop wanting to eat.  Pilgrimage- Jains often travel to Shatrunjaya in Gujarat which is one of the Five Holy Mountains and contains many temples.

The End!!