Jainism and Jain Values
Jainism is followed by several million people in India and by a sizeable Jain diaspora in UK, USA and other overseas countries. Jainism is one of the World’s oldest religions providing code of conduct and a way of life which rejects violence, self-seeking and dishonesty. Its philosophy and teachings of individual freedom, equality regardless of race, sex, caste and colour, reverence for all life, human and animal welfare, concern for the environment and strike a relevant chord in today’s troubled world.
Jain values are based on non-violence and reverence for all life (ahimsa), non-attachment to the material world (aparigraha), pluralism (anekantavad) and introspection, calmness of self and spiritual liberation by self-effort. It believes in friendship to all and malice to none, improvement of quality of life for all, compassion, equality and peace. Its moto is “Live and Help to Live”.
To practise these teachings, peaceful living and the way of life-the art of loving, the art of living and the art of leaving-the Jain Network is creating a magnificent Jain Centre in London with the blessings of Acharya Bhagwants, Jain leaders, Local/National/Civic and Interfaith organizations.
Jain Centre London will be an architectural splendour of white marble; it will include a place of worship and study for all major Jain traditions, world’s first Aum, Hrim shaped 108 Parshwanath Jinalay, a Multifaith Centre, which will be a new place of pilgrimage for Jains, a resource Centre for educational institutions and wider community. It will be a visiting Centre and tourist attraction also be a global hub to promote Jainism and its way of life.
Jain way of life is:
- Art of Loving: to all living beings, whether they are human – irrespective of caste, creed, faith, colour, gender and disability; animal, plant and the living elements of the earth.
- Art of Living: to live a spiritually and physically healthy life, full of compassion, equality, peace, harmony and the best of the human values. The aim of human life is to achieve spiritual liberation so as to free the soul from the bondage (clouding) of karma – expand with practical activities and day to day life challenges/ ideas towards liberation of the soul. education and training, cultural and spiritual activities, yoga, meditation and healthy living for the welfare of the local community.
- Art of Leaving: is to live a life detached from power, position and wealth. Jainism does not deny us earning power, position and wealth; all it asks us is to keep a limit on them and use these for welfare of others. It also encourages leaving them at the right time to lead a life for the progress towards spiritual liberation.