Jainism

In the 6th Century BC, in many countries, there was great religious ferment.

• Persia - Zoroaster
• China - Confucius
• India - Jainism & Buddhism

The Vedic religion has become ritualistic. Senseless slaughter of animals in the name of religion created a new feeling of pity for animals and the desire not to hurt life. The origin of Jainism is not clear. Traditionally it is associated with 24 saints known as Tirthankaras.

1. Rishabhadeva:

• He was the first thirthankara.
• He was mentioned in Rigveda, Vishnupurana and Bhagavatapurana.
• The presence of his name in the above scriptures indicates that Jainism is as old as the Vedic religion.

2. Parsvanatha:

• He is regarded as the real founder of Jainism.
• He was the son of the king of Vaisali in Bihar.
• Theparents of Vardhamana Mahavira were followers of Parsvanatha.
• He enjoined on his followers 4 vows,
• (1) Ahimsa (non-violence)
• (2) Satya (truth)
• (3) Asteya (non-stealing)
• (4) Aparigraha (non-aquisition)

3. Vardhamana Mahavira:

• He was the 24th and the last thirthankara.
• He was born in 599 BC
• His father - Sidhartha, who was a kshatriya chief of a clan called Jnatrika.
• His mother - Trisala, who was related to the royal family of Vaisali.
• His wife -Yashoda
• His children - one daughter.
• Very little is known about the early life of Mahavira.
• According to Jain tradition, Vardhamana married a princess, Yashoda.
• After the death of his parents, at the age of 30, he renounced the world and wondered all over eastern India.
• At the age of 43, he attained Kevalajnana (or) highest spiritual knowledge.
• To the original 4 vows, he added the 5th vow, Brahmacharya.
• He is called -
• (1) Mahavira - the great hero
• (2) Jina - the conqueror
• (3) Niggantha - free from bondage
• He died at Pava in South Bihar in 527 BC.

Teachings of Mahavira:

• He didnot believe in God.
• He rejected the Vedas.
• He rejected the authority of Brahmins.
• Man is the architect of his own destiny and need not crave for the mercy of God or any such person.
• To attain spiritual enlightment one should discard all external things including clothes.
• Individual's souls will be released from rebirth by following the three fold path -
• (1) right belief
• (2) right knowledge
• (3) right conduct
• He laid great emphasis on ahimsa.
• Jains regard fasting unto death as an act of great merit.

The Jain Church:

Mahavira founded the Jain Church and nominated 11 of his close disciples as Gandharas (or) heads of schools. Only one of these disciples, Arya Sudharma, survived Mahavira and became the pontiff of the Jain Church.

Towards the close of 4th Century BC, great schism took place in Jain Church. One section came to be called Swetambaras (those clad in white) and the other section is called Digambara (naked). According to Swetambaras, the original teachings of Mahavira are to be found in 14 ancient texts called 'Purvas'.

Spread of Jainism:

• Jainism had never spread beyond India.
• Chandra Gupta Maurya was a great patron of Jainism.
• Kharavela, the king of Kalinga, also professed Jainism.
• Samprati, Ashoka's grandson converted to Jainism and sent missionaries to Andhradesa and other parts of Southern India.
• South Indian dynasties like Kadambas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas patronised Jainism.

The revival of Hinduism from the Gupta period led to the gradual decline of Jainism.