2. Purpose of Religion? To get rid of Sins To become non-violent Prevent sadness Have a happy life Value life and respect all beings

3. Six Essentials of Jains Worship of God (Dev-Puja) Devotion towards monks (Guru-Upasti) Study of scriptures (Sastra Swadhaya) Abstinence (Sanyam) Penance (Tap) Charity (Daan)

4. Puja Two Types of Puja – Dravya Puja and Bhaav pooja Jala (Water) Puja: symbolizes the ocean Chandan ( Sandal-wood) Puja: symbolizes Knowledge Pushpa ( Flower) Puja: symbolizes conduct Dhup ( Incense) Puja: symbolizes ascetic life Deepak ( Candle) Puja: represents a Pure Soul Akshat (Rice) Puja: symbolizes the last birth Naivedya (Sweet) Puja: symbolizes a tasty food Fal (Fruit) Puja: symbolizes Moksha or Liberation

5. Devotion towards Monks (Guru Upasti) All monks are Gurus They are Achaaryas, Uphadhyas and Saadhvis We bow down to the monks with full respect They are spiritually ahead of us and have given up all worldly attachments. They have accepted the five vows: Non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy and non-possession

6. Study of scriptures (Swadhyaya) Studying religious scriptures enables one to gain more knowledge and find the right path. This also helps people become more kind-hearted. The study of scriptures also helps improve spiritual efforts. Kids can do this by going to Jain Paathshaala or reading books.

7. Abstinence (Sanyam) Practicing self-control on thoughts and actions helps lead a better life. One should control diet, minimize passion, remove bad thoughts, anger, greed, jealousy and hatred.

8. Penance (Tap) There are 2 types of Penance Internal : Using our mind, such as worshipping. External: Doing externally, such as fasting.

9. Charity (daan) Charity is giving to others whatever it is. There are 4 types of charity- Donation of Food Donation of medicine Donation of books/education Protection or freedom from fear

10. Common Jain Festivals

11. Paryushan Parva What is the significance of celebrating Paryushan Parva? Paryushan means, literally, "abiding" or "coming together". Pari + ushan = all kinds + to burn = to burn (shed) our all types of karmas. To shed our karmas, we do twelve different types of austerities including fasting. Another meaning of "ushan" is to stay closer. To stay closer to our own soul from all directions and to stay absorbed in our own-self (soul), we do Svadhyaya (self- study), meditation, austerities, etc.

12. Mahavir Jayanti Why do we celebrate Mahavir Jayanti? Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by the Jains to celebrate the birth of bhagwan Mahavira, the 24 th Tirthankar It is celebrated with prayers, decorations, processions and festivity.

13. Diwali Why do Jains celebrate Diwali? Bhagwan Mahavira attained his nirvana at the dawn of the amavasya (new moon). Also, the chief disciple of Mahavira, Ganadhara Gautam Swami also attained complete knowledge (Kevalgyana) on this day. Diwali involves the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. This is why we offer nirvana laddoos at the temple on this day.

14. Some Common Practices

15. What is the significance of Namokar Mantra? Namokar mantra is the supreme mantra in Jainism. By reciting it one worships or prays five supreme entities in the universe. The five entities worshipped are Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhu in that order.

16. What is the significance of fasting? The purpose is to purify our souls by staying closer to our own souls. Right food in Right Quantity and at Right Time (Mitahar) is the first step on a spiritual path.

17. Why do we do Aarti? There are many meanings of Ärati. One meaning is to experience the spiritual joy from all directions (Ärati = Ä + Rati; Ä means from all sides and Rati means Joy – spiritual joy). When a religious activity is concluded with success, we do Ärati to express our spiritual joy. Ärati also means to seek the end of “Ärt” (misery).

18. Why do we draw Swastik? We draw Swastik to break the continuity of birth and death in four directions namely 1. Manushya or Mankind 2. Dev or Heaven world 3. Tiriyanch or animal kingdom and 4. Narak or hell.

19. Why do we meditate? Meditation is the art of silencing the mind. Provides Inner peace Increases self-Awareness Rejuvenates Cures Insomnia Increases Spiritual connection Increases fulfillment of life

20. What is Samayik? Samayik is one of the most important ritual practice of Jainism during which we try to come closer to our soul. During samayik, we sit down in one place for forty- eight minutes isolating ourselves from our daily household, social, business, or school activities. In this time, we read religious books, pray, worship, recite rosary, or do meditation.