“Fight with yourself, why fight with external foes? He who conquers himself through himself, will obtain happiness.” — Uttaradhyayana Sutra
Jainism, an ancient religion originating in the Indian subcontinent, stands as a testament to the timeless pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and ethical living. Rooted deeply in non-violence, Jainism emphasizes a rigorous ethical code designed to promote harmlessness and purity of thought, word, and deed.
The historical origins of Jainism are somewhat elusive, but its teachings have been sustained by a lineage of 24 spiritual teachers, known as the Tirthankaras, or “ford-makers.” The most recent, and perhaps the most widely recognized among them, is Lord Mahavira, who lived in the 6th century BCE around the same time as Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. It's under Mahavira's guidance that Jainism gained significant traction and became more systematized, though he is seen not as the founder, but rather as a revitalizer of its ancient teachings.
At its core, Jainism teaches the principles of Anekantavada (relativity of truth), Syadvada (conditional viewpoints), and Ahimsa (non-violence). Anekantavada suggests that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse points of view, and no single perspective holds the complete truth. This promotes tolerance and understanding. Syadvada builds on this by emphasizing that statements can be true in certain conditions, further underscoring the multifaceted nature of truth. Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, is not just physical but also extends to one's thoughts and words. It's this principle that has led Jains to practice vegetarianism and adopt lifestyles that minimize harm to all living beings.
For guidance, Jains turn to a collection of canonical scriptures known as the Agamas. These texts, written in Prakrit, expound on the teachings of Lord Mahavira and cover a vast array of subjects from doctrine and philosophy to conduct and ritual. The Agamas have been preserved in two main traditions: the Shvetambara (white-clad) and the Digambara (sky-clad), referring to the way their monks dress (or don't, in the case of Digambara monks who go nude). Both traditions have slightly different canonical texts and interpretations, but the core essence of Jainism remains consistent between them.
In a world rife with conflict, Jainism stands out as a beacon of peace and mindfulness, urging its followers to look within, seek knowledge, and live in harmony with the universe.
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