Asian Studies - Jainism: Aversion to Violence

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that teaches the path to spiritual purity and enlightenment through non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). Its followers, called Jains, believe in liberating the soul (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) through strict ethical living, self-discipline, and meditation. Jainism emphasizes respect for all living beings, promoting vegetarianism and careful living to avoid harm to even the smallest creatures.

1. Introduction J ainism is one of the oldest religions in India, founded by Mahavira Vardhamana around 540–468 B.C.E. It emphasizes a strict form of non-violence known as Ahimsa , extending to all living beings—including insects and even plants. For Jains, avoiding harm in any form is essential to purifying the soul and achieving spiritual liberation.

2. Life of mahivara M ahavira Vardhamana (ca. 540-468 B.C.E.) [ca. = circa – at approximately], born to a wealthy Kshatriya family, was the founder of Jainism. At a young age he desired to live as an ascetic but was forced to live as an aristocrat with his family until the age of 30. When his parents died, he abandoned his home and properties to lead the life of a pauper. In the beginning, he lived simply wearing flimsy clothing materials. After 13 months he removed his clothing and walked the streets wearing nothing until the last moments of his life.

3. Life of mahivara H e fasted, meditated, and held discussions with travelers until he attained what ascetics sought: enlightenment on life and death. He traveled to spread what he has learned. He was joyous and proficient in imparting his teachings and was called Mahavira (Great Hero) and Jina (Conqueror). Mahavira’s belief system came to be known as Jainism, or the Religion of the Conquerors.

4. Teachings and beliefs M ahavira accepted the concept of karma , samsara (reincarnation), atman (soul), and Brahman , but he gave them new interpretations. He taught that karma is composed of spiritual dirt that clings to the soul. In the beginning, the soul was pure but because of man’s evil deeds, it became polluted. By sheer avoidance of evil deeds, an individual can remove the dirt from his soul. When his soul is cleansed he will never be reborn. For the Jainist, the reason for living is to purify the soul.

5. Teachings and beliefs J ainists cannot engage in agriculture because farming harms the creatures living in the soil. As a consequence of this prohibition, Jainists turned to other types of occupation, most notably business. Over time they earned a good reputation as merchants and traders. While Mahavira that a person could only be saved by becoming a monk, he and his disciples were flexible with lay people meditating in Jainist temples and gave them opportunities to live like monks. Such persons could also live outside temples like true Jainists since the religion’s teachings on loyalty and justice could also be applied to city life.

6. The five great vows ( mahavratas ) To guide moral behavior, Jainism teaches five vows , especially for monks and nuns, but laypeople also follow simpler versions of them: Ahimsa (non-violence) – Do not harm any living being in thought, word, or action. Satya (truthfulness) – Always speak the truth. Asteya (non-stealing) – Do not take anything that is not willingly given. Brahmacharya (chastity) – Monks and nuns must be celibate; laypeople practice fidelity and self-control. Aparigraha (non-possession) – Detachment from material things and desires. These vows reflect Jainism’s commitment to inner and outer discipline, especially the deep respect for all forms of life .

7. Aversion to violence (ahimsa) A himsa is the most important value in Jainism. It goes beyond just not hurting people—it includes: Avoiding harm to all souls , including animals, plants, insects, and even rocks and rivers, which are believed to have life. Jain monks and followers carry items to gently move insects and wear masks to avoid inhaling living organisms. Violence of any form , including lying, stealing, and even harsh speech, is strictly avoided. Jainists are strict vegetarians , and farming is forbidden , as it disturbs life in the soil.

8. Sects of jainism Jainism is divided into two major sects: Digambara ("sky-clad"): Monks do not wear clothes as a symbol of total renunciation. They believe women must be reborn as men to achieve liberation. Svetambara ("white-clad"): Monks and nuns wear simple white robes. They believe both men and women can attain liberation.

9. Jain lifestyle and society S ince farming was considered too harmful, many Jainists became businesspeople and traders . They developed a strong reputation in these areas while remaining faithful to their principles. Although Mahavira taught that only monks could reach salvation , he and his followers were open to allowing laypeople to practice Jain values while still living in society. Meditation, temple worship, and ethical living were encouraged even for those outside the monastery.

10. JAIN SYMBOL AND FESTIVAL

11. The Jain symbol includes the Ahimsa hand , the swastika (an ancient symbol of well-being), and the three dots representing right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

12. One of the most important Jain festivals is Paryushana , a time of fasting, prayer, and asking forgiveness for harm caused to any living being during the year.