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Jainism / Texts and Practices

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Jainism

Texts and Practices

Have Jains developed any sects?

In the 4th century CE, Jainism developed two major divisions Digambara (sky clad ascetics) and Svetambara (white robed ascetics). Both Digambara and Svetambara communities have continued to develop, almost independently of each other. With the passage of time, both had further sub-sects. Except for some minor differences in rituals and way of life, their belief and practices for the spiritual progress are the same. The four main sects with a sizable population are Digambara, Svetambara Murtipujaka, Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi.

Have Jains any sacred texts?

Jain scriptures contain the teachings of Mahavira and the other tirthankaras. Originally the scriptures were transmitted orally and were not written down until many centuries after their composition. Svetambaras accept thirty-two to forty-five sacred texts known as (aagamas), final redaction of which took place at the Council of Valabhi (453 – 466 BCE). Digambaras accept two canonical texts Satkhandaagama and Kasaayapahuda composed in 2nd century CE.

Jains have vast sacred literature that includes commentaries on sacred texts and other religious work such as the Tattvartha Sutra, Kalpa Sutra, Uttaradhyan Sutra and recent work of Atmasiddhi Sastra. The Jains have vast literature that contains subjects such as the philosophy, code of conduct, devotional practices, narratives, cosmology, physics, chemistry, life sciences, zoology, botany, medicine, mathematics and others. It describes five types of knowledge, divided into two categories: indirect, that is sensory knowledge and scriptural knowledge, and direct, that is ‘clairvoyance’, ‘telepathic mind reading’ and ‘omniscience’.

What are Jain religious practices?

The Jains venerate Dev, Guru and Dharma i.e. Tirthankaras, Ascetics and Sacred Texts, worship them with devotion, and try to follow their teachings. Their temple rituals are devotional, colourful and musical in nature; the rituals may be individual or collective. They worship a Jina as an example, not for asking any favours.

• a ritual of equanimity for 48 minutes that includes meditation.
• veneration to tirthankaras.
• veneration to the spiritual teachers and ascetics.
• repentance for the things one has done wrong.
• control of body by holding fixed position during meditation.
• renunciation of certain pleasures, activities, foods for a fixed period.

Jainism emphasises that the human beings are co-habitants with the natural world in our planet. Jains care for the environment and are involved in human and animal welfare projects. The Jain conviction of parasparopagraho jivanam teaches that all forms of life are bound together in mutuality and interdependence and emphasise the reverence for all life. Jain scriptures teach non-violence as below:

‘All the venerable ones (arhats) of the past, present and future discourse, counsel, proclaim, propound and prescribe thus in unison: do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture or kill any creature or living being’

Jains have traditionally formed a merchant and financial community. They avoid professions, which involve harm to living beings, such as the meat trade. They do not proselytise, but accept any person who follows the Jain way of life as a Jain. Their motto is ‘Live and Help to Live’. Jains are law abiding, philanthropic and believe in giving. Jain ethics make them ideal citizens in this troubled world.

What are Jain Sacred Places?

Jains have built beautiful temples; thousands in India, some in Europe, USA, East Africa and Far East. Jain temples, some of which are virtual 'temple cities', are among the most beautiful buildings ever constructed. Jain temples are known for their sheer beauty, cleanliness and devotional ambience.

The first Jain temple in the world, which brings together in one building all the main sects of Jains, is in Leicester UK.

This magnificent building has been created in traditional Jain style, with rich interior stone carvings and a striking marble frontage, and is a major tourist attraction, which welcomes visitors. In recent years many beautiful temples have been constructed in North America and Europe.

Jains have also built upashrayas, the places for meditations and temporary accommodation for the ascetics. Their temple rituals are devotional, colourful and musical in nature; the rituals may be individual or collective. They worship a Jina as an exemplary figure to follow, not for asking favours; the worship is daily. The Jain contribution to the Indian heritage, art, architecture, philosophy and thought is outstanding.