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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Basic tenets of Jainism


Jainism is an offshoot of hinduism, based on the Sankhya Philosophy of hinduism

some basic principles of Jainism are

1. Ahimsa (non-violence)
The Jain ecological philosophy is virtually synonymous with the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) which runs through the Jain tradition like a golden thread.“Ahimsa parmo dharmah” (Non-violence is the supreme religion). Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara (Path-finder) of this era, who lived 2500 years ago in north India, consolidated the basic Jain teachings of peace, harmony and renunciation,

2. Parasparopagraho jivanam (interdependence)
Mahavira proclaimed a profound truth for all times to come when he said: “One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them”

3. Anekantavada (the doctrine of manifold aspects)
The concept of universal interdependence underpins the Jain theory of knowledge, known as anekantava or the doctrine of manifold aspects. Anekantavada describes the world as a multifaceted, ever-changing reality with an infinity of viewpoints depending on the time, place, nature and state of the one who is the viewer and that which is viewed.

4. Samyaktva (equanimity)
The discipline of non-violence, the recognition of universal interdependence and the logic of the doctrine of manifold aspects, leads inexorably to the avoidance of dogmatic, intolerant, inflexible, aggressive, harmful and unilateral attitudes towards the world around.

5. Jiva-daya (compassion, empathy and charity)
Although the term `ahimsa’ is stated in the negative (a = non, himsa = violence), it is rooted in a host of positive aims and actions which have great relevance to contemporary environmental concerns.

THE JAIN CODE OF CONDUCT
1. The five vratas (vows): The five vratas (vows) in the Jain code of conduct are:
Non-violence in thought, word and deed,
To seek and speak the truth,
To behave honestly and never to take anything by force or theft,
To practise restraint and chastity in thought, word and deed,
To practice non-acquisitiveness.