Jainism
HISTORY
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Jainism
Jainism is an ancient religion, and its leader is known as Tirthankara.
There have been 24 Tirthankaras.
Tirthankaras are considered as leaders who guide the followers of Jainism (Jains)
through the cycle of life.
The first Tirthankar was Rishabdev, who was also known as Adinath Bhagwan.
Jainism Was founded by 24th Tirthankar Mahavira
Vardhman Mahavir (539 BC to 467 BC)
Vardhamana Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankar of the Jain custom.
He is considered as the last Tirthankar.
He took a birth at Kundagrama near Vaisali in around 546 BC.
Kshatriya guardians Siddhartha and Trisala gave birth to him.
He was married to Yashoda and had a daughter from his marriage named Anojja,
also known as Priyadarsana.
He revoked the world at thirty years old to turn into an ascetic and wandered for a
long time.
In the thirteenth year of his compensation, he achieved the most elevated spiritual
information by triumphing over himself.
This knowledge is called Kevala Gnyan.
Thereafter, he was known as Mahavira, Jina, and Kevalin.
His followers were called Jains and this religion came to be known as Jainism.
He preached his doctrines for 12 years until his death at the age of 72 in 468 B.C. at
Pavapuri
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Timeline of Jainism
539 BC Vardhaman Mahavir was Born
Death of Vardhaman Mahavir 467 BC
300 BC 1st Jainism Council
2nd Jainism Council 512 AD
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Doctrines o Jainism
Triratna i.e., Three Gems of Janism
Triratnas Aim
Samyak Shradha/ Viswas (Right Faith) belief in Thirathankaras
Samyak Jnan (Right Knowledge) It is the knowledge of Jain creed
Samyak Karma/ Acharana (Right Action) It is the practiceof the 5 vows of Jainism
Pancha Mahavartas i.e., Five Vows of Janism
Vows Meaning
Ahimsa Non - injury
Satya Non - lying
Asetya Non - stealing
Aparigraha Non-possession
Brahmacharya Chastity
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Types of Knowledge
Jnana Knowledge
Mati jnana Perception through activity of sense organs including the mind.
Shruta jnana Knowledge revealed by scriptures
Avadhi jnana Clairvoyant perception
Manahparyaya jnana Telepathic knowledge
Keval jnana Temporal knowledge or Omniscience
Principles of Jainism
1. Rejected the authority of the vedas and vedic rituals.
2. Did not believe in the existence of god.
3. Believed in Karma and the transmigration of soul.
4. Laid great emphasis on equality.
Jain Council
Council Year Venue Royal Patron Chariman Important Remarks
1st Jain Chandragupta Compilation of 12
300 BC Patliputra Sthulabhadra
Council Maurya Angas
Final compilation of
2nd Jain Devardhi
512 AD Vallabhi —— 12 Angas and 12
council Kshmasramana
Upangas
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Jain Literature
Literature is classified as follows:
Prakrit Numbers
Angas 12
Upangas 12
Prikarnas 10
Chhedasutras 6
Mulasutras 4
Sutra – Granthas 2
Important Jain texts are:
Texts
1. Kalpasutra (in Sanskrit) - Bhadrabahu
2. Bhadrabahu Charita
3. Parishishta Parvan - Hemchandra
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Sects of Jainism
Jainism has been partitioned into two significant sects: Digambara and Svetambara.
The division happened primarily because of famine in Magadha which constrained a
gathering drove by Bhadrabahu to move South India.
1. White-clad; Northerners are Swetambaras.
2. Sky-clad (naked); Southerners are Digambaras.
Royal Patrons
S.No. North India South India
Nandas, Bimbisar, Ajashatru and
Udayin (Haryank); Chandragupta
1. Ganga Dynasty
Maurya, Bindusara and Samprati
(Mauryan) - Magdha
2. Pradyota (Avanti) Kadamb Dynasty
Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta
3. Udayan (Sindhu Sauvira)
Dynasty).
Siddharaj jai singh and kumarpala
4. Kharavela (kalinga)
(the last great patrons of Jainism).
Mahavir Swami, The 24th Tirthankara
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