Jainism - HistoryAccording to Jain scriptures Jainism has

existed in principle from eternityHistorical and archeological evidences

account Jainism at least 7000 year oldPropounded by 24th Tirthankar Mahävir Swämi

(599 BC-527 BC)Root word is Jina – means the one who has

conquered inner enemies, which are anger, ego, deceit and greed

Jainism – Basic Tenets There is no creator, sustainer or the destroyer of

the universe. There is NO super power There is no beginning or an end of the universe Universe runs on auto pilot on five things:

Time, Inherent nature, Destiny, Karma and Self-effort

There is a life after death and it is dependent upon your Karma

Every action of mind, speech or body results in bondage of Karma to the soul

Jainism – Basic TenetsSoul is bound with Karma from eternityUntil a soul is free of Karma bondage, there

will be no liberation or MokshaOne must suffer or enjoy the consequences of

bound Karma OR must get rid of that Karma by austerity, penance or other desirable things

Therefore, our efforts should be directed towards not getting new Karma and to get rid of already bound Karma

Jainism – Basic TenetsRoot cause of all misery is, DESIRECurtailing and ultimately getting rid of all

desires results in attaining the ultimate, Moksha

Jainism – Five Principles Non-violence Truth Non-stealing Celibacy Non-possessiveness

Monks and nuns follow these five principles to the fullest possible, while lay people follow these principles with several well-defined exceptions

Jainism – Path to LiberationJainism prescribes a simple path to Liberation.

Right FaithRight KnowledgeRight Conduct

Jainism – Path to LiberationWhat is right faith?

There is a soulThe soul is eternal. It cannot be created de-novo, nor can be destroyed

There is KarmaSoul is bound with Karma from eternityThere is MokshaOne can attain Moksha

Jainism – Path to LiberationWhat is right knowledge?

Desire is the root cause of all sufferingsBehind every perceived happiness there is

unhappiness (absence of happiness is unhappiness)

Jina’s teaching is the true knowledge which guides us to the path to liberation

Only way to achieve everlasting peace is to free the soul from the bondage of Karma

Jainism – Path to LiberationWhat is right conduct?

Non-violence : Not to cause harm to any living being in

thoughts, by speech or by bodily actions. Every living being, no matter how small,

has a soul (Jainism has always believed that five fundamental elements (fire, air, water, earth and vegetation) are living beings.

No higher evolved living beings should be hurt and harm to five fundamental elements should be minimized to bare minimum. (What a eco friendly religion !!!!)

Jainism – Path to LiberationWhat is right conduct?

Non-possessiveness: Possessiveness is due to desire. Desire to have any tangible or intangible

thing is possessiveness. Failure to gain what is desired is the root

cause of unhappiness and misery. Elimination of desire is the ultimate step in

attaining liberation

Jainism – Path to LiberationWhat is right conduct?

Theory of Multi-view points: There could always be an element of truth in any

statement, depending upon how one looks at it. This helps create mutual respect, expand our knowledge and helps us understand other side of the coin.

Every living being, no matter how small, loves its existence and fears death. Respecting their view is the ultimate application of this theory among many others.

However, the whole truth and absolute truth is known only by Jina, the one who has attained omniscience and taught us the truth learned by Him.

Jainism – Who is God? We call Tirthankar as our ‘GOD’ Tirthankar is the one, who has attained

Moksha and taught us the path to liberation Tirthankar was born as an ordinary human

being just like any one of us. Mahävir Swämi (599 BC– 527 BC) is our last

Tirthankar Upon attaining liberation, Tirthankar now

exists as a pure soul who does not have any desire, love or hatred and THEREFORE, He cannot help us or hurt us.

What does Jainism Teach about Ecology?Non-Possessiveness / Self-restraint is the second most important Jain principle.Minimizing consumption provides respect for

others’ life and environment.Reduce needs and wants as much as possible.Reuse / Recycle Products – Do not waste gifts of

natureShare resources.Nature provides enough for our NEED, but not

enough for our GREED.

The Ancient Jain Scriptural Aphorism Parasparopagraho Jivänäm

“All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence “

----Tattvärtha Sutra (2000 year old Scripture) Environment is imbued in every living beings If we harm “ONE” we harm “ALL” living beings

Refreshingly contemporary in its premise and in its promise.

Forms the basis of the modern day science of ecology

Jainism - Summary Every living being is an individual ahs a soul Every living being is an individual ahs a soul

and, has a potential to become liberated or Godand, has a potential to become liberated or God At liberation the soul remains in Moksha forever, At liberation the soul remains in Moksha forever,

and never loses its identityand never loses its identity The principles governing the successions of life The principles governing the successions of life

cycles (Birth, Life, and Death) is Karmacycles (Birth, Life, and Death) is Karma Our ignorance or intention behind our actions of Our ignorance or intention behind our actions of

body, mind, and speech is the cause of Karma body, mind, and speech is the cause of Karma bondage to the soulbondage to the soul

Path of liberation is to follow Right perception, Path of liberation is to follow Right perception, Right knowledge, and Right conductRight knowledge, and Right conduct

Jainism - Summary Desire is the root cause of all sufferingDesire is the root cause of all suffering Conquer your desire by your own effort in Conquer your desire by your own effort in

order to attain liberation.order to attain liberation. Self purification, penance, austerity, and Self purification, penance, austerity, and

meditation are essential for Right conduct.meditation are essential for Right conduct. Nonviolence in thought, speech, and action Nonviolence in thought, speech, and action

is the foremost principle to be followed.is the foremost principle to be followed. One must cease injuring sentient creatures, One must cease injuring sentient creatures,

large and small.large and small.

Jainism - SummaryWhile the Law of Karma dictates what we are

experiencing now is the result of our own past action/s, the Law - by clearly defining the principle of cause and effect - also lays before us positive future direction of our own choice and making

Only WE are responsible for our past, present and future and only WE can alter it. No one else can!

Unique Features Of Jainism

Ideals of compassion and non-possessiveness build a strong sense of social service, mutual love and respect.

No war was ever waged to convert or coerce Equality of woman in society and religion. Independence from priestly domination. The most eco friendly and peace loving religion Rests the power in your hand not in the super

power by making you responsible for your own deeds

A Profound Truth of All Times“One who neglects or disregards the existence

of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation, disregards his own existence which is entwined with them.”

- Lord Mahävir (599 B.C. - 527 B.C.)