Holy days, festivals and rituals fasting is the very imporatant part of the jains tradition. Jainism, ajivika, and buddhism arose in the 6th cent. Jainism believes that universe and all its substances or entities are eternal. The zendavesta pahlavi texts links zoroastrianism, in spite of its small current number of adherents, has played a huge role in the study of comparative religion. The oldest jain literature is in shauraseni and ardhamagadhi prakrit agamas, agamatulya, siddhanta texts, etc. There are six highly recommended books that together form an excellent literary introduction to jainism and the jain way of thinking. The holy book of zoroastrianism is the zend avesta zoroastrianism is also dualist. What mahavira has taught ages back still has its significance in modern day life. One of the oldest known religious texts is the kesh temple hymn of ancient sumer, a set of inscribed clay tablets which scholars typically date around 2600 bce. The word jain is taken from the word jina, which means getting victory over thy self and the peripheral world. The world pilgrimage guide web site is the most comprehensive source of information on this subject. Holy book and place of worship of sikhism,jainism, buddhism. West 1892 longlost zoroastrian texts available now only in summaries and fragments.
Instead they have a collection of holy writings and scriptures. Mencius interpretation of confucianism has generally been considered the orthodox version by subsequent chinese philosophers, especially the neoconfucians of the song dynasty. The following list of books incorporates a number of salient points of view, and they would be especially good for those not raised as jains. Lord mahavir, popularly regarded as the founder of jainism, was the last of the tirthankars who flourished from 599 to 527 b. The religious philosophy of zoroaster divided the early iranian gods of protoindoiranian tradition. The soul is constrained to a cycle of rebirth, trapped within the temporal world, until it finally achieves liberation. In fact, the householders are supposed to evolve to the monkhood in the later stages of life as was the case with the hinduism in the vedic era. Pahlavi texts, part v sbe 47 marvels of zoroastrianism e. Zoroastrianism simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. A searching comparison of the faiths of east and west hinduism, jainism, buddhism, vedantism, yoga, taoism, confucianism, shintoism, judaism, christianity, islam, humanism by bahm, archie j. Find the top 100 most popular items in amazon books best sellers.
The texts containing the teachings of mahavira are called the agamas, and are the canonical literature the scriptures of svetambara jainism mahaviras disciples compiled his. Bc as protests against the overdeveloped ritualism of hinduism, particularly its sacrificial cults, and the authority of the veda. Jainism is one of the most ancient religions that originated in eastern india and it was founded around the 6th century. Introduction jain or more properly speaking jaina means a follower of jina, which is applied to those persons who have conquered the lower nature, passion, hatred, etc. Good books can change your thinking and thinking can change your life. An introduction, is a thoroughly researched overview of the jain tradition, a religion and set of philosophical constructs that have influenced indian thought for over 2500 years. The jain literature which was complied by ganadharas and srutkevlis is known as agam literature. Zoroaster, who lived in eastern ancient iran around bc, created zoroastrianism. Jain theism concept of god in jainism harvard university. These texts are collectively known as agams, the sacred books of the jain religion. Jainism is revered for its commitment to nonviolence and respect for the natural.
During a 38 year period he has visited more than 1500 sacred sites in 165 countries. History and contemporary information provide evidence of competition and quarrels between the sects over the management of individual sites. The tirthas of jainism are spread all over india and have been divided into two classes. Selfcontrol and nonviolence are taught as the means to obtain liberation from the worlds suffering. Jainism offers a quiet, overwhelmingly serious way of life, a cultural insistence on compassion, a society of ethics that has dramatically changed the world and will continue to effect change. It is one of the four main religious goals of hinduism.
Not only was it a cohort of the ancient vedic hinduism, but also had a huge influence on the development of judaism and christianity. Other asian religions and their philosophies sikhism and. Jainism, some called it the worlds most peaceful religion. A glance at its contents will reveal the fact that glasenapp has covered almost all the salient features of jainism.
Instead they have a body of holy writings or scriptures. Marji langmomentgetty images the holy book of jainism is a collection of texts known as agam literature or the agam sutras. The holy book of zoroastrianism is the zend avesta. List of books and articles about jainism online research. Zoroastrianism or mazdayasna is one of the worlds oldest continuously practiced religions. Jainism, indian religion teaching a path to spiritual purity and enlightenment. A guide for the perplexed is a clear and thorough account of this fascinating tradition, explaining many basic jain values, beliefs and practices in the same way they are taught to jains themselves, through the medium of sacred narratives. The idea is that in addition to following dharma virtue and kama pleasure, hindus should also strive to be successful in the the activities of their lives. This is a rare collection of jain scriptures on various topics. The description of zoroastrianism reflects the authors personal beliefs and should be read with a critical mind and a large dose of sound skepticism. The jinas are considered more respectable than the gods. These texts are the holy scriptures of the jain religion. Lord mahavirs preaching was methodically compiled by his followers into many texts. The founder of zoroastrianism was zoroaster, who lived in eastern ancient iran around bc.
Jaina tradition teaches that a succession of 24 tirthankaras saints originated the religion. Hence, the jain religion does not have one sacred book like the bible or koran. Mar 20, 2017 the book shows how buddhism and jainism share the basic concepts of karma, rebirth, and liberation with hinduism while giving them their own hue, and how they differ from the hindu tradition in their understanding of the role of the vedas, the caste system, and ritualism in religious life. The texts had to be memorised since jain monks and nuns were not allowed to possess religious books as part of their vow of nonacquisition. The relative authority of religious texts develops over time and is derived from the ratification. For example, all three traditions share a notion of karma as the actions of individuals that determine their future births, yet each has attached unique connotations to the concept. The jains the library of religious beliefs and practices.
The holy teachers are called the jina, and they are the epitome of teaching for all. The religious officials of jainism are nuns and monks who lead disciplined lives. Followers of jainism are called jains, and there are about 4 million worldwide. Difference between taoism and jainism difference between. Karma is the basic principle within an overarching psychocosmology in jainism. Please pledge to do swadhyay for at least 510 minutes each day. Jainism is an indian religion that emphasizes complete nonviolence and asceticism.
Asian humanities pressthe wonderful book that originally turned me on to jainism jainism in western garb as. In the gathas, the most sacred texts of zoroastrianism thought to have been. Jainism lays heavy emphasis on nonviolence ahimsa and the believers of this religion, whether a monk or a householder, follow a very strict, well disciplined life. Mencius also spelled mengzi or mengtzu, a book of his conversations with kings of the time, is one of the four books which form the core of orthodox confucian thinking. Jainism dont have any specific holy book like the bhagavad geeta,the quran or the bible. In principle jain holy places are sacred for all the jains. This volume focuses on buddhism and jainism, two religions which, together with hinduism, constitute the three pillars of indic religious tradition in its classical formulation.
Hindus are in a similar position, even though they have the vedas, which can be considered the ultimate source of teaching. Jain philosophy is the oldest philosophy of india that distinguishes body matter from the soul consciousness completely. We have certain scriptures which are considered as very sacred. Jains are an important religious community and jainism preaches on different principles of virtue enriching the population. In jainism, the holy and religious places include the ranakpur temples, dilwara temples, shikharji, palitana baa etc. Jainism, hinduism, and buddhism share many key concepts derived from the sanskrit language and dialects that have enabled them to hone their religious debates.
Jainism is one of the three most ancient indian religious traditions still in existence and an. Jains see these texts, which are the transcriptions of lord mahavirs sermons, as sacred documents. Eirciv 102a, spring 2006 vi february 7, 2006 basic bibliography some useful literature boyce, m. Teachings of jainism stress on the ideas of equality, nonviolence, spiritual liberation and selfcontrol.
Other names for zoroastrianism are mazdaism and parsiism zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion. The holy book of jainism is a collection of texts known as agam literature or the agam sutras. They differ from literary texts by being a compilation or discussion of beliefs, mythologies, ritual practices, commandments or laws, ethical conduct, spiritual aspirations, and for creating or fostering a religious community. Jainism is an eastern religion with origins in the indus river valley dating back to 3000 b. On pilgrimages, jains often visit temples and locations connected to tirthankaras. Religious texts are texts related to a religious tradition. It explores their history and relates how the vedic period in the history of hinduism drew to a close around the sixth century bce and how its gradual etiolation gave rise to a number of religious movements. The present book is one of the best and stimulating books ever written by scholars on jainism.
This book is useful for the later history of the zoroastrians. West 1885 pahlavi texts, part iv sbe 37 contents of the nasks e. Those places where the tirthankaras and other holy persons have attained nirvana are called siddhakshetra. The book shows how buddhism and jainism share the basic concepts of karma, rebirth, and liberation with hinduism while giving them their own hue, and how they differ from the hindu tradition in their understanding of the role of the vedas, the caste system, and ritualism in religious life. Zoroastrians believe ahura mazda created two spirits. The faith is named for the jinas, spiritual conquerors who have achieved liberation and perfection. Wear clean clothes, wash your hands and feet and if you have eaten something make sure to gargle and clean your mouth. The holy book of jainism is known as the kalpa sutra or sutras. Jains trace their spiritual ideas and history through a succession of twentyfour leaders or tirthankaras, with the first being rishabhanatha, who according to jain tradition lived millions. The epic of gilgamesh from sumer, although only considered by some scholars as a religious text, has origins as early as 2150 bce, and stands as one of the earliest literary works that includes various mythological figures and themes. Within sikhism, the holy book is called the sri guru granth sahib. Jainism also known as jaina dharma is a religion originating in india that emphasizes nonviolence towards all living things and equality among all life.
So he could be called a reformer of the jain religion or rejunevator of the faith which was already and had a long tradition. Drawing from jainism s copious and influential narrative tradition, the author explores the inner. This oldest wisdom of mankind is being made available in all the languages for the benefit of humanity with movements like mission 24l. In india, they share this feature with the buddhists. Whether a vast collection of semireligious texts written on parchment in gold ink, as suggested by the denkard, actually. Jain path of purification by padmanabh jaini university of california press, 1979 motilal banarsidass publishers, 1990 recommended 5 times guidelines of jainism by muni bhadrabahu vijay 1986 life force. Why jainism is the worlds most peaceful religion youtube. Jainism emerged in 6thcentury bce india, the same time buddhism was developing.
Jainworld is a nonprofit taxexempt membership and donationsupported organization dedicated to jain tradition of wisdom, compassion, equality, brotherhood, universal wellbeing and spirituality. Jainism is a religion originally from india that teaches that all the events in the universe are selfcaused, random, fixed and are independent of previous events or external causes or god. Aug 29, 2008 what is kalpa sutra and why do jains read it. Via contacts with turkic peoples like the uyghurs, this sogdian name came to the mongols, who still name this deity qormusta tengri also qormusta or qormusda. Jainism religion bhagwan mahavir jain symbol belief. Sogdian was written without a consistent representation of vowels was the name used in place of ahura mazda. In practice, some places are definitely of more importance to svetambaras than to digambaras and vice versa, and these are managed by institutions affiliated to one sect or the other. Human moral actions form the basis of the transmigration of the soul. Jainism is an ecologically responsible way of life which is nonviolent in thought, action, and deed. Introduction jain philosophy god world doctrine of karma and reincarnation triple jewels moksha. Jainism simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Agams are the jain texts which are based on the discourse. Its adherents, the mandaeans, revere adam, abel, seth, enos, noah, shem, aram, and especially john the baptist. The holidays observed in the two religions are somewhat influenced by the culture of the place specially china and india for taoism and jainism respectively. A holy mountain that jains often visit is in shatrunjaya in gujarat. Jainism, religion of india concentrated largely in gujarat and rajasthan, in parts of mumbai formerly bombay, and in the state of karnataka mysore, as well as in the larger cities of the indian peninsula. Religion and culture of the jains by jyoti prasad jain 1983, bharatiya jnanpith will provide an orderly and clear. What is the source of authority in the jain religion. Other names for zoroastrianism are mazdaism and parsiism. Unlike most common monotheistic religions, jainism does not have one holy book that characterizes their faith. Followers of jainism are called jains, a word derived from the sanskrit word jina, meaning victor. It is considered to be much more than a book, it is deemed to be the living guru of the sikhs. Martin gray is a cultural anthropologist, writer and photographer specializing in the study and documentation of pilgrimage places around the world. In 300 words jainism is the philosophy and religion of jainas the followers of religion preached and practised by the thirthankaras, the last of whom was lord mahavir.
Guru is a sanskrit word for teacher, and within sikhism it is the title given to the 10 spiritual leaders of sikhism dating from 1469 ad to 1708 ad as well as the sri guru granth. It teaches that the universe is eternal and that every living being has a soul. Mar 17, 2015 jainism is an indian religion that emphasizes complete nonviolence and asceticism. This succinct, completely engaging overview of jainism, the historical contexts of jain intellectual thought, and the relationship of. All the substances change or modify their forms continuously. Unlike monotheistic traditions, the jains do not have a unique holy book that characterises their faith. The reason is very simple, this book consists of a biography of lord mahavira in detail, and the lives of the other prophets tirthankaras. All sects agree that teaching was first transmitted orally, however, the two main sects of jainism, svetambara and digambara disagree on which scriptures are authoritative, or most important. Jains are very caring over the environment, they wear masks over their faces to prevent inhaling of any small insects and they carry large brushes so they can brush the floor in front of them to prevent stepping on any plants or insects. Confucianism roman religion zoroastrianism middle eastern religion. Many classical texts are in sanskrit tatvartha sutra, puranas, koshas, shravakacharas, mathematics, nighantus etc.