Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma (जैन धर्म), is a spiritual religion of Indian origin dating back at least as far as the 9th century BC, but believed by Jains to stretch back many centuries into the very distant past. The Sanskrit term ( Devanāgarī: धर्म Pali transliteration dhamma) is an Indian spiritual and religious A Jain is a follower of Jinas ("the saints"),^[1][2] human beings who have rediscovered the dharma, become fully liberated and taught the spiritual path for the benefit of beings. The Sanskrit term ( Devanāgarī: धर्म Pali transliteration dhamma) is an Indian spiritual and religious In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" Jains follow the teachings of 24 special Jinas who are known as Tirthankaras ('ford-builders'). In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect A ford is a place in a Watercourse (most commonly a stream or River) that is shallow enough to be crossed by wading on Horseback or in a wheeled The 24th and most recent Tirthankar is Lord Mahavira who lived from 599 to 527 BCE according to traditional history. Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान The 23rd Tirthankar of Jains, Lord Parsvanatha is now recognised as a historical person, who lived during 872 to 772 BC. Parshvanath or Parshvanatha ( pārśvá-nātha, occasionally spelled Parshvanath or Parswanath) was the twenty-third Tirthankara ^[3][4] Jaina tradition is unanimous in making Rishabha, as the First Tirthankar. In Jainism, Rishabh Dev (ऋषभदेव or Adinatha (other names used Riṣhabh, Riṣhabhanāth, Rushabh, Rushabhdev ^[5]

A major characteristic of Jain belief is the emphasis on the consequences of physical and mental behavior. ^[6] Because Jains believe that everything is alive, in some sense, and that all living beings possess a soul, great care and awareness is required in going about one's business in the world. Jainism is a religion in which all life is considered worthy of respect and it emphasizes this equality of all life, advocating the protection of the smallest creatures. Egalitarianism (derived from the French word égal, meaning equal) is a political doctrine that holds that all people should be treated as equals and have Jainism encourages spiritual independence (in the sense of relying on and cultivating one's own personal wisdom) and self-control (व्रत, vratae) considered vital for spiritual development. Spirituality, in a narrow sense concerns itself with matters of the Spirit, a concept closely tied to religious belief and Faith, a transcendent reality Self control is perceived in a few ways One of which is philosophical and might be described as the exertion of one's own will on one's personal self - their behaviors actions The goal, as with other Indian religions, is moksha: realization of the soul's true nature, a condition of omniscience (Kevala Jnana or Keval Gyana). In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" Kevala Jñāna ( Sanskrit: केवलज्ञान)or Kevala Ṇāṇa (Prakrit: केवल णाण in Jainism, (also known as "absolute knowledge"

Jains are a small, influential religious minority with at least 4. 2 million followers in modern India,^[7] and more in growing immigrant communities in the United States, Western Europe, the Far East including Australia and elsewhere. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Western Europe at its most general meaning means 'all the countries in the West of Europe ' The Far East is a term often used by people in the Western world to refer to the countries of East Asia. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Jains sustain the ancient Shraman (श्रमण) or ascetic religion and have significantly influenced other religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for over two millennia. A Shramana ( Sanskrit sa श्रमण śramaṇa, Pāli pi शमण samaṇa) is a wandering monk in certain Ascetic Ascetic redirects here You might also be looking for Acetic acid. Ethics is a major branch of Philosophy, encompassing right conduct and good life Politics Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions

Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship and have the highest degree of literacy in India. ^[8] Jain libraries are India's oldest. ^[9]

Main points

• Every living being has a soul^[4]
• Every soul is potentially divine with innate infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite power, and infinite bliss. The soul, according to many religious and philosophical beliefs is the self-awareness, or Consciousness, unique to a particular living The soul, according to many religious and philosophical beliefs is the self-awareness, or Consciousness, unique to a particular living
• Therefore, regard every living being as yourself and harm no one. In other words, have benevolence for all living beings.
• Every soul is born as a celestial, human, sub-human or hellish being according to its own karmas. Hell, according to many Religious beliefs, is a location in the Afterlife, which may be described as a place of suffering
• Every soul is the architect of its own life, here or hereafter.
• When a soul is freed from karmas, it becomes God-consciousness (infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite power, and infinite bliss) and liberated. Karma in Jainism ( Sanskrit: कर्म kär'mə kär'mən Prakrit: कम्म kä'mmə refers not only to the actions and deeds that are part of the
• Right View, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct (triple gems of Jainism) provide the way to this realisation. Jainism emphasises that the right vision or view ( Samyak Darsana) right knowledge ( Samyak Jnana) and right conduct ( Samyak Caritra ^[10]
• Non-violence (Ahinsa, also spelled Ahimsa) is the basis of right View, the condition of right Knowledge and the kernel of right Conduct. Ahiṃsā ( Sanskrit: अहिंसा Prakrit: अहिंसा means “non-violence” “non-injury” or absence of desire to harm any life forms
• Control your senses.
• Limit your possessions and lead a pure life, useful to yourself and others. Owning an object by itself is not possessiveness; however attachment to it is possessiveness. ^[11]
• Enjoy the company of the holy and better qualified, be merciful to the afflicted and tolerant of the perverse. ^[12]
• Four things are difficult to attain by a soul: human birth, knowledge of the law, faith in it and the pursuit of the right path.
• It is important not to waste human life in evil ways. Instead, strive to rise on the ladder of spiritual evolution.

History

Parshvanatha, the twenty-third Tirthankara (ford maker) is the earliest Jain leader who can be reliably dated. Parshvanath or Parshvanatha ( pārśvá-nātha, occasionally spelled Parshvanath or Parswanath) was the twenty-third Tirthankara In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect ^[3] According to scholars he probably flourished in 9th Century BCE. ^[13][14]

Kalinga (Modern Orissa) was home to many Jains in the past. Orissa (ଓଡ଼ିଶା is a state located on the east coast of India, by the Bay of Bengal. Rishabh, the first Tirthankar, was revered and worshipped in the ancient city Pithunda. In Jainism, Rishabh Dev (ऋषभदेव or Adinatha (other names used Riṣhabh, Riṣhabhanāth, Rushabh, Rushabhdev In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect This was destroyed by Mahapadma Nanda when he conquered Kalinga and brought the statue of Rishabhanatha to his capital in Magadh. Mahapadma Nanda (450 BC - 362 BC was the first king of the Nanda dynasty. In Jainism, Rishabh Dev (ऋषभदेव or Adinatha (other names used Riṣhabh, Riṣhabhanāth, Rushabh, Rushabhdev Rishabhanatha is revered as the 'Kalinga Jina'. Ashoka's invasion and his Buddhist policy also subjugated Jains greatly in Kalinga. Ashoka ( Devanāgarī: अशोकः IAST: Aśokaḥ, aɕoːkə(hə Prakrit Imperial title Devanampriya Priyadarsi However, in the 1st century BCE Emperor Kharvela conquered Magadha and brought Rishabhnath's statue back and installed it in Udaygiri, near his capital, Shishupalgadh. The Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves near Bhubaneswar are the only surviving stone Jain monuments in Orissa. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are the caves of archaeological historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa, India Bhubaneswar ( Oriya: BUbEnSvr Hindi: भुवनेश्वर in Sanskrit and Oriya/oDiA "The Lord of the Universe" is the capital and Earlier buildings were made of wood and were destroyed.

Deciphering of the Brahmi script, India's oldest script, believed to have been created by the first Tirthankara Rishabhanatha, by James Prinsep in 1788 enabled the reading of ancient inscriptions in India and established the antiquity of Jainism. Brāhmī script refers to the oldest members of the Brahmic family of alphabets. James Prinsep ( 20 August 1799 - 22 April 1840) was an Anglo-Indian scholar and Antiquary. Discovering Jain manuscripts, continues and has added significantly to retracing Jain history. Jain archaeological findings are often from Maurya, Sunga, Kishan, Gupta, Kalachuries, Rashtrakut, Chalukya, Chandel and Rajput and later periods. Several western and Indian scholars have contributed to the reconstruction of Jain history. Western historians like Bühler, Jacobi, and Indian scholars like Iravatham Mahadevan, worked on Tamil Brahmi inscriptions.

Further information: Timeline of Jainism

Geographical spread and influence

Jain temple in Ranakpur

Jainism has been a major cultural, philosophical, social and political force since the dawn of civilization in Asia, and its ancient influence has been noted in other religions, including Buddhism and Hinduism. Timeline of Jainism Prehistory Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India Ranakpur is a village near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India.

This pervasive influence of Jain culture and philosophy in ancient Bihar possibly gave rise to Buddhism. Bihar ( Hindi:बिहार Urdu: بہار bɪhaːr) is a state in eastern India. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices The Buddhists have always maintained that during the time of Buddha and Mahavira, Jainism was already an ancient, deeply entrenched faith and culture there. Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान For connections between Buddhism and Jainism see Buddhism and Jainism. Buddhism and Jainism are the two branches of the Shramana tradition that still exist today Over several thousand years, Jain influence on Hindu philosophy and religion has been considerable, while Hindu influence on Jain rituals may be observed in certain Jain sects.

For instance, the concept of puja is Jain. The Vedic Religion prescribed yajnas and havanas for pleasing god. Puja is a specifically Jain concept, arising from the Tamil words, "pu" (flower) and "ja" (offering). ^[15]

With 10 to 12 million followers,^[16] Jainism is among the smallest of the major world religions, but in India its influence is much more than these numbers would suggest. The world's principal Religions and spiritual traditions may be classified into a small number of major groups or world religions'. Jains live throughout India; Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat have the largest Jain population among Indian states. Maharashtra ( Marathi: mahārāṣṭra, IPA) is a state located on the western coast of India. Rajasthan, a state in western India has had a close historical connection with Jainism. Gujarat (ગુજરાત Gujǎrāt, pronounced) is a state in western India. Karnataka, Bundelkhand and Madhya Pradesh have relatively large Jain populations. Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ pronounced) is a state in the southern part of India Geography Bundelkhand lies between the Indo-Gangetic Plain to the north and the Vindhya Range to the south Madhya Pradesh (abbreviated as MP) ( Hindī: मध्य प्रदेश pronounced, Translation: Middle Province) often There is a large following in Punjab, especially in Ludhiana and Patiala, and there used to be many Jains in Lahore (Punjab's historic capital) and other cities before the Partition of 1947, after which many fled to India. Punjab (ਪੰਜਾਬ पंजाब pəɲdʒaːb is a state in northwest India. Ludhiana (ਲੁਧਿਆਣਾ | लुधियाना is a city and a Municipal corporation in Ludhiana district in the Indian state of WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Patiala ( Punjabi: ਪਟਿਆਲਾ is a city in the Punjab state of India. ( lahor is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is the second largest city in Pakistan after Karachi. The Partition of India was the partition of the British Indian Empire which led to the creation on August 14, 1947 and August 15, There are many Jain communities in different parts of India and around the world. The Jains in India have been the last direct representatives of the Shramana tradition in India They may speak local languages or follow different rituals but essentially follow the same principles.

Outside India, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) have large Jain communities. The Jains started arriving in significant numbers to the United States in the early 1970s The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page East Africa is the Easternmost Region of the African Continent. The Republic of Kenya is a country in East Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the north Somalia to the northeast Tanzania to the south Tanzania ˌtænzəˈniːə officially the United Republic of Tanzania (Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya The Republic of Uganda is a Landlocked country in East Africa. Jainism is presently a strong faith in the United States and several Jain temples have been built there. American Jainism accommodates all the sects. The Jains started arriving in significant numbers to the United States in the early 1970s Smaller Jain communities exist in Nepal, South Africa, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Fiji, and Suriname. Nepal (नेपाल) is a Landlocked country in South Asia. The Republic of South Africa (also known by other official names) is a country located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Singapore For the biogeographical region see Malesia Malaysia (məˈleɪʒə or /məˈleɪziə/ is a country that consists of thirteen states and For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Fiji (Matanitu ko Viti फ़िजी officially the Republic of the Fiji Islands (Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti फ़िजी द्वीप समूह गणराज्य Suriname ( Dutch: Suriname; Sranan Tongo: Sranan) officially the Republic of Suriname (traditionally spelled Surinam by In Belgium the very successful Indian diamond community, almost all of which are Jain are also establishing a temple to strengthen Jain values in and across Western Europe.

Digambara and Svetambara traditions

It is generally believed that the Jain sangha divided into two major sects, Digambar and Svetambar, about 200 years after Mahāvīra's nirvana. In Jainism, Sangha can mean the assembly of monks nuns lay men and women (termed chatrividha sangha of a region In the Sociology of religion a sect is generally a smaller religious or political group that has broken off from a larger group for example from a Digambar (दिगंबर (sky-clad in Sanskrit) (alternate orthographies Digambara) has many different meaning and associations throughout Indian The Svetambara (श्वेतांबर श्वेतपट also spelled Svetambar, Shvetambara, Shvetabmbar or Swetambar) is one of Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान Some historians believe there was no clear division until the 5th century. The best available information indicates that the chief Jain monk, Acharya Bhadrabahu, foresaw famine and led about 12,000 Digambar followers to southern India. Acharya Bhadrabahu (433 BC - 357 BC ? was a Jain monk He is more famously known as a spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maurya and author of several texts related South India is the area encompassing India 's states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as the union Twelve years later they returned to find the Shvetambar sect, and in 453 the Valabhi council edited and compiled traditional Shwetambar scriptures. The differences between the two sects are minor and relatively obscure.

Diagramatic representation of Schisms within Jainism along with the timelines.

In Sanskrit, ambar refers to a covering generally, or a garment in particular. Dig, an older form of disha, refers to the cardinal directions. Digambar therefore means "covered by the four directions", or "sky-clad". Svet means white and Svetambars wear white garments.

Digambar Jain monks do not wear clothes because they believe clothes are like other possessions, increase dependency and desire for material things, and desire for anything ultimately leads to sorrow. Jain Muni or simply Muni is the term often used for Jain Monks ref>Jains in the World Religious Values and Ideology in India By John E Svetambar Jain monks, on the other hand, wear white, seamless clothes for practical reasons, and believe there is nothing in Jain scripture that condemns wearing clothes. Sadhvis (nuns) of both sects wear white. These differing views arise from different interpretations of the same holy books. There are minor differences in each sect's literature.

Digambars believe that women cannot attain moksha in the same birth, while Svetambars believe that women may attain liberation and that Mallinath, a Tirthankar, was a woman. In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" Mallinath was the nineteenth Jain Tirthankar of the present age (Avasarpini The difference is because Digambar ascetism requires nudity. As nudity is impractical for women, it follows that without it they cannot attain moksha. ^[17]

Digambars believe that Mahavir was not married, whereas Shvetambars believe the princely Mahavir was married and had a daughter. The two sects also differ on the origin of Mata Trishala, Mahavira's mother.

Sthanakavasis and Digambars believe that only the first five lines are formally part of the Namokara Mantra (the main Jain prayer), whereas Svetambaras believe all nine form the mantra. Sthanakvasi (स्थानकवासी is a sect of Jainism originally founded by a merchant named Lavaji about 1653 CE that believes that God is 'nirakar' (without Navakar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र is the fundamental prayer in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day Other differences are minor and not based on major points of doctrine.

Excavations at Mathura revealed many Jain statues from the Kushana period. The Kushan Empire (c 1st &ndash 3rd centuries) was a Bactrian state that at its cultural zenith Circa 105 &ndash 250 Tirthankaras, represented without clothes and monks, with cloth wrapped around the left arm, are identified as Ardhaphalaka and mentioned in some texts. The Yapaniya sect, believed to have originated from the Ardhaphalaka, follows Digambara nudity, along with several Shvetambara beliefs. Yapaniya was a Jain order in western Karnataka which is now extinct

Svetambaras are further divided into sub-sects, such as Sthanakavasi, Terapanthi and Deravasi. Terapanth (or Tera Panth the name given to two independent Jain sects Digambar Terapanth: A sect of the Digambara tradition that Murtipujaka is also known as Deravasi and is the term for a sect of Jainism which includes most members of the Shvetambar sect Some are murtipujak (revering statues) while non-murtipujak Jains refuse statues or images. Shvetamber follow the 12 agam literature (voice of omniscient). Most simply call themselves Jains and follow general traditions rather than specific sectarian practices. In 1974, a committee with representatives from every sect compiled a new text called the Samana Suttam. Saman Suttam is the religious text created in 1974 by a committee consisting of representatives of each of the major sects of Jainism to reconcile the teachings of

Beliefs

Tirthankaras

The statue of Gomateshwara of Digambar tradition in Shravanabelagola, Karnataka is the tallest monolith of its kind in the world

Jains, like Buddhists, do not have a teacher of our age. Gomateshwara is a monolithic statue standing at above a hill in a place called Shravanabelagola in the Hassan district of Karnataka state India Shravanabelagola (ಶ್ರವಣಬೆಳಗೊಳ is a city located in the Hassan district, in the Indian state of Karnataka. Karnataka (ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ pronounced) is a state in the southern part of India For Jains, Mahavira is the first or most recent teacher of the Way. Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान Like other Indian religions, knowledge of the truth (dharma) is considered to have declined and then revived cyclically over the course of history. Indian religions, also called Dharmic religions, are the related religious traditions that originated in the Indian subcontinent, namely Hinduism, The Sanskrit term ( Devanāgarī: धर्म Pali transliteration dhamma) is an Indian spiritual and religious Those who rediscover dharma are called Tirthankara. In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect The literal meaning of Tirthankar is 'ford-builder'. A ford is a place in a Watercourse (most commonly a stream or River) that is shallow enough to be crossed by wading on Horseback or in a wheeled Jains, like Buddhists, compare the process of becoming a pure human being to crossing a swift river - an endeavour requiring patience and care. A ford-builder is someone who has themselves already crossed the river and can therefore able guide others. S/he is called a 'victor' (Skt: Jina) because s/he has achieved liberation by their own efforts. In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" A Jain follows a Jina. Note that the Buddha Gotama was sometimes referred to as Jina. Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder Like Buddhadharma, the purpose of Jain dharma is mental and physical purification to undo the negative effects of karma. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices The goal of this process is liberation accompanied by a great natural inner peace. In sramanic philosophy Nirvana (निर्वाण| Nirvāṇa; निब्बान Nibbāna; Prakrit: णिव्वाण

A tirthankar is considered omniscient, a role model but not a god. There have been 24 Tirthankaras in what the Jains call the 'present age'. Historical records the last two Tirthankaras: Parshvanath and Mahavir (the 23rd and 24th). Parshvanath or Parshvanatha ( pārśvá-nātha, occasionally spelled Parshvanath or Parswanath) was the twenty-third Tirthankara Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान

The 24 tirthankaras in chronological order are - Adinath (or Rishabhnath), Ajitanath, Sambhavanath, Abhinandananath, Sumatinath, Padmaprabh, Suparshvanath, Chandraprabhu, Pushpadantanath (or Suvidhinath), Sheetalanath, Shreyansanath, Vasupujya, Vimalanath, Anantanath, Dharmanath, Shantinath, Kunthunath, Aranath, Mallinath, Munisuvratanath, Naminath, Neminath, Parshvanath and Mahavir (or Vardhamana). In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect Mallinath was the nineteenth Jain Tirthankar of the present age (Avasarpini Parshvanath or Parshvanatha ( pārśvá-nātha, occasionally spelled Parshvanath or Parswanath) was the twenty-third Tirthankara Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान

Doctrines

Pre-Kushana Ayagapatta from Mathura

Jains believe that every human is responsible for his/her actions and all living beings have an eternal soul, jīva. The Kushan Empire (c 1st &ndash 3rd centuries) was a Bactrian state that at its cultural zenith Circa 105 &ndash 250 Mathura ( IAST mathurā)( Hindi: मथुरा is a holy City in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The soul, according to many religious and philosophical beliefs is the self-awareness, or Consciousness, unique to a particular living In Hinduism and Jainism, a jiva (जीव jīva alternate spelling jiwa) is a living being or more specifically the immortal essence of a living being Jains believe all souls are equal because they all possess the potential of being liberated and attaining Moksha. In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" Tirthankaras are role models only because they have attained Moksha. In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" Jains insist that we live, think and act respectfully and honor the spiritual nature of all life. Jains view God as the unchanging traits of the pure soul of each living being, described as Infinite Knowledge, Perception, Consciousness, and Happiness (Ananta Jnāna, Ananta Darshana, Ananta Cāritra, and Ananta Sukha). God is the principal or sole Deity in Religions and other belief systems that worship one deity. Jains do not believe in an omnipotent supreme being, creator or manager (kartā), but rather in an eternal universe governed by natural laws.

Jains hold that this temporal world holds much misery and sorrow and hence to attain lasting bliss one must transcend the cycle of transmigration. Otherwise, one will remain eternally caught up in the never-ending cycle of transmigration. The only way to break out of this cycle is to practice detachment through rational perception, rational knowledge and rational conduct.

Jain scriptures were written over a long period of time, but the most cited is the Tattvartha Sutra, or Book of Reality written by the monk-scholar, Umasvati (aka Umāsvāmi) almost 1800 years ago. Tattvartha Sutra (also known as Tattvarth-adhigama-sutra or Moksh-Shastra) is a Jaina text written by Acharya Umaswati or Umasvami Acharya Umaswati is the author of Tattvartha Sutra, the best known Jaina text The primary figures are Tirthankaras. In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect The two main sects called Digambar and Svetambar, both believe in Ahinsa (or ahinsā), asceticism, karma, sanskār, and jiva. Digambar (दिगंबर (sky-clad in Sanskrit) (alternate orthographies Digambara) has many different meaning and associations throughout Indian The Svetambara (श्वेतांबर श्वेतपट also spelled Svetambar, Shvetambara, Shvetabmbar or Swetambar) is one of Ascetic redirects here You might also be looking for Acetic acid. Karma in Jainism ( Sanskrit: कर्म kär'mə kär'mən Prakrit: कम्म kä'mmə refers not only to the actions and deeds that are part of the In Hinduism and Jainism, a jiva (जीव jīva alternate spelling jiwa) is a living being or more specifically the immortal essence of a living being

Differences between the two main sects are mainly conduct related. Doctrinally, Jainism is uniform with great emphasis placed on rational perception, rational knowledge and rational conduct. {"samyagdarśanajñānacāritrāṇimokṣamārgaḥ", Tattvārthasūtra, 1. 1}

Compassion for all life, human and non-human, is central to Jainism. Human life is valued as a unique, rare opportunity to reach enlightenment. To kill any person, no matter their crime, is considered unimaginably abhorrent. It is the only religion that requires monks and laity, from all its sects and traditions, to be vegetarian. Some Indian regions have been strongly influenced by Jains and the majority of the local non-Jain population is vegetarian.

History suggests that various strains of Hinduism became vegetarian due to strong Jain influences. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. ^[18] Jains run animal shelters all over India. For example, Delhi has a bird hospital run by Jains. Every city and town in Bundelkhand has animal shelters run by Jains where all manner of animals are sheltered, even though the shelter is generally known as a Gaushala.

Jainism's stance on nonviolence goes far beyond vegetarianism. Nonviolence is a philosophy and strategy for social change that rejects the use of physical Violence. Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes Meat (including game and slaughter by-products Fish (including Shellfish and other sea Jains refuse food obtained with unnecessary cruelty. Many practice a lifestyle similar to Veganism due to the violence of modern dairy farms, and others exclude root vegetables from their diets to preserve the lives of these plants. Root vegetables are plant roots used as Vegetables Other underground plants are often erroneously called root vegetables ^[19] Potatoes, garlic and onions in particular are avoided by Jains. ^[20] Devout Jains do not eat, drink, or travel after sunset and prefer to drink water that is boiled and then cooled to room temperature. Many Jains abstain from eating green vegetables and root vegetables one day each week. The particular day, determined by the lunar calendar is Ashtami (eighth day of the lunar month), New Moon, the second Ashtami and the Full Moon night.

Anekantavada, a foundation of Jain philosophy, literally means "The Multiplicity of Reality", or equivalently, "Non-one-endedness". Anekāntavāda (Devanagari sa [[wiktअनेकान्तवाद अनेकान्तवाद]] is one of the most important and basic doctrines of Jainism. Anekantavada has tools for overcoming inherent biases in any one perspective on any topic or in reality in general. Another tool is The Doctrine of Postulation, Syādvāda. Syādvāda ( Devanagari: स्यादवाद is the Doctrine of Postulation of Jainism. Anekantavada is defined as a multiplicity of viewpoints, for it stresses looking at things from others' perspectives.

Jains are usually very welcoming and friendly toward other faiths and often help with interfaith functions. Several non-Jain temples in India are administered by Jains. A palpable presence in Indian culture, Jains have contributed to Indian philosophy, art, architecture, science, and to Mohandas Gandhi's politics, which led to the mainly non-violent movement for Indian independence. The culture of India has been shaped by the long History of India, its unique geography and the absorption of customs traditions and ideas from some of its neighbors The term Indian philosophy (Sanskrit Darshanas) may refer to any of several traditions of philosophical thought that originated in the Indian subcontinent Art refers to a diverse range of Human activities creations and expressions that are appealing to the Senses or Emotions of a human individual The term architecture (from Greek αρχιτεκτονικήarchitektoniki) can be used to mean a process a profession or documentation Science (from the Latin scientia, meaning " Knowledge " or "knowing" is the effort to discover, and increase human understanding Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ( Gujarati: મોહનદાસ કરમચંદ ગાંધી moɦən̪d̪äs kəɾəmʧən̪d̪ gän̪d̪ʱi (2 October 1869 – 30 January Politics Politics is the process by which groups of people make decisions The term " Indian independence movement " is diffuse incorporating various national and regional campaigns agitations and efforts of both Nonviolent and Militant ^[21]

Creation and cosmology

Main article: Jain Cosmology

Bhaktamara Stotra and 10th couplet in Thirukural[2], a Tamil classic: A Tirthankara is a shelter from ocean of rebirths. According to Jainism, this loka or universe is an uncreated entity existing since infinity having no beginning or an end Bhaktamara Stotra is the most famous of the Jain Sanskrit prayers In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect

According to Jain beliefs, the universe was never created, nor will it ever cease to exist. The Universe is defined as everything that Physically Exists: the entirety of Space and Time, all forms of Matter, Energy Therefore, it is shaswat (infinite). It has no beginning or end, but time is cyclical with progressive and regressive spirituality phases.

Jains divide time into Utsarpinis (Progressive Time Cycle) and Avsarpinis (Regressive Time Cycle). An Utsarpini and a Avsarpini constitute one Time Cycle (Kalchakra). Every Utsarpini and Avsarpini is divided into six unequal periods known as Aras. During the Utsarpini half cycle, humanity develops from its worst to its best: ethics, progress, happiness, strength, health, and religion each start the cycle at their worst, before eventually completing the cycle at their best and starting the process again. During the Avsarpini half-cycle, these notions deteriorate from the best to the worst. Jains believe we are currently in the fifth Ara of the Avsarpini phase, with approximately 19,000 years until the next Ara. After this Avsarpini phase, the Utsarpini phase will begin, continuing the infinite repetition of the Kalchakra.

Jains believe that at the upswing of each time cycle, people will lose religion again. All wishes will be granted by wish-granting trees (Kalpavrksa), and people will be born in sets of twins (Yugalika) with one boy and one girl who stay together all their lives: a symbol of an integrated human with male and female characteristics balanced.

Jain philosophy is based upon eternal, universal truths. During the first and last two Aras, these truths lapse among humanity and then reappear through the teachings of enlightened humans, those who have reached enlightenment or total knowledge (Kevala Jnana), during the third and fourth Aras. Mokṣa ( Sanskrit: मोक्ष liberation or Mokkha ( Prakrit: मोक्ख) means liberation salvation or emancipation of soul Traditionally, in our universe and in our time, Lord Rishabha (ऋषभ) is regarded as the first to realize the truth. In Jainism, Rishabh Dev (ऋषभदेव or Adinatha (other names used Riṣhabh, Riṣhabhanāth, Rushabh, Rushabhdev Lord Vardhamana (Mahavira, महावीर) was the last Tirthankara to attain enlightenment (599-527 BCE). Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect He was preceded by twenty-three others, making a total of twenty-four Tirthankaras.

It is important to note that the above description stands true "in our universe and in our time" for Jains believe there have been infinite sets of 24 Tirthankaras, one for each half of the time cycle, and this will continue in the future. Hence, Jainism does not trace its origins to Rishabh Deva, the first, or finish with Mahavira, the twenty-fourth, Tirthankara.

According to Jainism, the Universe consists of infinite amount of Jiva'(life force or souls), and the design resembles a man standing with his arms bent while resting his hands on his waist. The narrow waist part comprises various 'Kshetras', for 'vicharan' (roaming) for humans, animals and plants. Currently we are in the Bharat Kshetra of 'Jambu Dweep' (dweep means island).

The Deva' Loka (Heavens) are at the symbolic 'chest' of Creation, where all Devas (demi gods) reside. Similarly beneath the 'waist' are the Narka Loka (Hell). There are such Seven Narka Lokas, each for a varying degree suffering a jiva' has to go through to face the consequences of its paap' karma (sins). From the first to the seventh Narka, the degree of suffering increases and Light reaching it decreases (with no light in the seventh Narka).

The sidhha kshetra or moksha is situated at the symbolic forehead of the creation, where all the jivas having attained nirvana reside in a state of complete peace and eternal happiness. Outside the symbolic figure of this creation nothing but aloka or akaasha (sky) exists.

Jain philosophy

Main article: Jain Philosophy

Jain philosophy (Sanskrit: Jain darsana; जैन दर्शन) deals extensively with the problems of metaphysics, reality, cosmology, ontology, epistemology and divinity. Jain philosophy ( Sanskrit: Jain darsana; sa जैन दर्शन deals extensively with the problems of Metaphysics, Reality, Cosmology Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Metaphysics is the branch of Philosophy investigating principles of reality transcending those of any particular science Reality, in everyday usage means "the state of things as they actually exist" Cosmology (from Greek grc κοσμολογία - grc κόσμος kosmos, "universe" and grc -λογία -logia) is study In Philosophy, ontology (from the Greek, genitive: of being (part Epistemology (from Greek επιστήμη - episteme, "knowledge" + λόγος, " Logos " or theory of knowledge Divinity and divine (sometimes 'the Divinity' or 'the Divine' are broadly applied but loosely defined terms used variously within different faiths and belief systems — Jainism is essentially a transtheistic religion of ancient Indian. Transtheistic is a term coined by philosopher Paul Tillich or Indologist Heinrich Zimmer, referring to a system of thought or Religious philosophy which ^[22] It is a continuation of the ancient Śramaṇa tradition which co-existed with the Vedic tradition since ancient times. A Shramana ( Sanskrit sa श्रमण śramaṇa, Pāli pi शमण samaṇa) is a wandering monk in certain Ascetic ^[23][24] The distinguishing features of Jain philosophy are its belief on independent existence of soul and matter, neither denial nor acceptance of a creative and omnipotent God, an eternal,and hence uncreated universe, a strong emphasis on non-violence, on relativity and multiple facets of truth, and morality and ethics based on liberation of souls. Jain philosophy explains the rationale of being and existence, the nature of the Universe and its constituents, the nature of bondage and the means to achieve liberation. ^[25] It is described as ascetic because of its strong emphasis on self-control, austerities and renunciation and called a model of philosophical liberalism for its insistence that truth is relative and multifaceted and for its willingness to accommodate all possible view-points of rival philosophies. Liberalism is a broad array of related ideas and theories of Government that consider individual Liberty to be the most important political goal ^[26] It has been compared to Western concepts of subjectivism and moral relativism. Subjectivism is a philosophical tenet that accords primacy to subjective experience as fundamental of all measure and law This article attempts to confine itself to discussion of relativism in morals and ethics Jainism strongly upholds the individual nature of soul and personal responsibility for one's decisions; and that self-reliance and individual efforts alone are responsible for one's liberation. In this matter, it is similar to individualism and Objectivism. Objectivism is a Philosophy developed by Ayn Rand in the 20th century that encompasses positions on Metaphysics, Epistemology,

In Jainism, truth or reality is perceived differently depending on different points of view, and that no single point of view is the complete truth. ^[27][28] Jain doctrine states that, an object has infinite modes of existence and qualities and, as such, cannot be completely perceived in all its aspects and manifestations, due to inherent human limitations. Only Kevalins - the omniscient beings - can totally comprehend objects and that others can knowing only a part. Kevala Jñāna ( Sanskrit: केवलज्ञान)or Kevala Ṇāṇa (Prakrit: केवल णाण in Jainism, (also known as "absolute knowledge" Consequently, no one view can represent the absolute truth. In the process, the Jains have their doctrines of relativity used for logic and reasoning –

• Anekāntavāda - literally, "Non-one-endedness", "Nonsingular Conclusivity", the idea that no one perspective holds the complete truth;
• Syādvāda – the theory of conditioned predication and;
• Nayavāda – The theory of partial standpoints.

These philosophical concepts contributed immensely to Indian philosophy, especially in skepticism and relativity. The term Indian philosophy (Sanskrit Darshanas) may refer to any of several traditions of philosophical thought that originated in the Indian subcontinent ^[29]

Karma theory

Main article: Karma in Jainism

Karma in Jainism conveys a totally different meaning as commonly understood in the Hindu philosophy and western civilization. Karma in Jainism ( Sanskrit: कर्म kär'mə kär'mən Prakrit: कम्म kä'mmə refers not only to the actions and deeds that are part of the Karma in Jainism ( Sanskrit: कर्म kär'mə kär'mən Prakrit: कम्म kä'mmə refers not only to the actions and deeds that are part of the Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. ^[30] It is not the so called inaccessible force that controls the fate of living beings in inexplicable ways. It does not mean "deed", "work", nor invisible, mystical force (adrsta), but a complex of very fine matter, imperceptible to the senses, which interacts with the soul, causing great changes. Adrsta (अदृष्ट Pronounced adRSTa is a concept in Indian philosophy often confused with Karma. Karma, then, is something material (karmapaudgalam), which produces certain conditions, like a medical pill has many effects. ^[31] According to Robert Zydendos, karma in Jainism is a system of laws, but natural rather than moral laws. Karma in Jainism ( Sanskrit: कर्म kär'mə kär'mən Prakrit: कम्म kä'mmə refers not only to the actions and deeds that are part of the In Jainism, actions that carry moral significance are considered to cause consequences in just the same way as physical actions that do not carry any moral significance. When one holds an apple in one's hand and then let go of the apple, the apple will fall: this is only natural. There is no judge, and no moral judgment involved, since this is a mechanical consequence of the physical action. ^[32]

Customs and practices

The hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes the Jain Vow of Ahinsa, meaning non-violence. Nonviolence is a philosophy and strategy for social change that rejects the use of physical Violence. The word in the middle is "Ahinsa. " The wheel represents the dharmacakra, to halt the cycle of reincarnation through relentless pursuit of truth. The Dharmachakra ( Sanskrit) or Dhammachakka ( Pāli) Tibetan chos kyi 'khor lo, Chinese fălún 法輪 The meaning of the word truth extends from Honesty, Good faith, and Sincerity in general to agreement with Fact or Reality

Jain monks and nuns practice strict asceticism and strive to make their current birth their last, thus ending their cycle of transmigration. MONK is a Monte Carlo software package for simulating nuclear processes particularly for the purpose of determining the neutron multiplication factor or k-effective Ascetic redirects here You might also be looking for Acetic acid. The laity, who pursue less rigorous practices, strive to attain rational perception and to do as much good as possible and get closer to the goal of attaining freedom from the cycle of transmigration. Following strict ethics, the laity usually choose professions that revere and protect life and totally avoid violent livelihoods.

Jains practice Samayika, which is a Sanskrit word meaning equanimity and derived from samaya (the soul). Samayika (a Prakrit word derived from samay ( time) is the practice of Meditation in Jainism. Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical The goal of Samayika is to attain equanimity. Samayika is begun by achieving a balance in time. If this current moment is defined as a moving line between the past and the future, Samayika happens by being fully aware, alert and conscious in that moving time line when one experiences Atma, one's true nature, common to all life forms. Samayika is especially significant during Paryushana, a special period during the monsoon, and is practiced during the Samvatsari Pratikramana ritual. Two of the most important festivals for the Jains are Paryushana and Diwali.

Jains believe that Devas (demi-gods or celestial beings) cannot help jiva to obtain liberation, which must be achieved by individuals through their own efforts. Deva (देव in Devanagari script pronounced as /'d̪evə/ is the Sanskrit word for "god Deity " In Hinduism and Jainism, a jiva (जीव jīva alternate spelling jiwa) is a living being or more specifically the immortal essence of a living being In fact, Devas themselves cannot achieve liberation until they reincarnate as humans and undertake the difficult act of removing karma. Their efforts to attain the exalted state of Siddha, the permanent liberation of jiva from all involvement in worldly existence, must be their own. In Jainism, a soul that has achieved its ultimate objective Nirvana or liberation is called Siddha.

The strict Jain ethical code for both laity and monks/nuns is:

1. Ahinsa (Non-violence)
2. Satya (truth)
3. 'Achaurya Or Asteya' (non-stealing)
4. Brahmacharya (Continence)
5. Aparigraha (Non-attachment to temporal possessions)

For laypersons, 'brahmacharya' means either confining sex to marriage or complete celibacy. Nonviolence is a philosophy and strategy for social change that rejects the use of physical Violence. Satya is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates into English as " Truth " or "correct Brahmacharya (brʌmatʃərɪə Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य is the first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization For monks/nuns, it means complete celibacy. Celibacy refers to the lack of participation in Sexual intercourse.

Nonviolence includes vegetarianism. Vegetarianism is the practice of a diet that excludes Meat (including game and slaughter by-products Fish (including Shellfish and other sea Jains are expected to be non-violent in thought, word, and deed, both toward humans and toward all other living beings, including their own selves. Jain monks and nuns walk barefoot and sweep the ground in front of them to avoid killing insects or other tiny beings. Insects ( Class Insecta) are a major group of Arthropods and the most diverse group of Animals on the Earth with over a million described Even though all life is considered sacred by the Jains, human life is deemed the highest form of life. For this reason, it is considered vital never to harm or upset any person.

While performing holy deeds, Svetambara Jains wear cloths, muhapatti, over their mouths and noses to avoid saliva falling on texts or revered images. The muhapatti (variously spelled mahapatti muhpatti or mahpatti is a square of white cloth worn across the face and tied behind the ears For the band see Saliva (band; for the village in Azerbaijan see Səliva. It is incorrect to say that this to avoid accidentally inhaling insects, because obviously it is rare to encounter insects! Many healthy concepts are entwined. For example, Jains drink only boiled water. In ancient times, a person might get ill by drinking unboiled water, which could prevent equanimity, and illness may engender intolerance.

True spirituality, according to enlightened Jains, starts when one attains Samyak darshana, or true perception. Such souls are on the path to moksha, striving to remain in the nature of the soul. This is characterized by knowing and observing only all worldly affairs, without raag(attachment) and dwesh(repulsion), a state of pure knowledge and bliss. Attachment to worldly life collects new karmas, and traps one in birth, death, and suffering. Worldly life has a dual nature (for example, love and hate, suffering and pleasure, etc. ), for the perception of one state cannot exist without the contrasting perception of the other.

Jain Dharma shares some beliefs with Hinduism. Both believe in karma and reincarnation. However, the Jain version of the Ramayana and Mahabharata is different from Hindu beliefs, for example. The Rāmāyaṇa ( Devanāgarī: sa रामायण is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the Hindu sage ( Maharishi) Valmiki Generally, Hindus believe that Rama was a reincarnation of God, whereas Jains believe he attained moksha (liberation) because they are free from any belief in a creator - god. (Note: some Hindus, such as Yogis, accept aspects of Jain Dharma. )

Along with the Five Vows, Jains avoid harboring ill will and practice forgiveness. They believe that atma (soul) can lead one to becoming Parmatma (liberated soul) and this must come from one's inner self. The Ātman ( IAST: Ātman Sanskrit: आत्मन्‍ is a philosophical term used within Hinduism and Vedanta to identify the Soul Jains refrain from all violence (Ahinsa) and recommend that sinful activities be avoided. Ahimsa ( Devanagari: sa अहिंसा IAST ahiṃsā is a Sanskrit term meaning Non-violence (literally the avoidance of violence -

Mahatma Gandhi was deeply influenced (particularly through the guidance of Shrimad Rajchandra) by Jain tenets such as peaceful, protective living and honesty, and made them an integral part of his own philosophy. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ( Gujarati: મોહનદાસ કરમચંદ ગાંધી moɦən̪d̪äs kəɾəmʧən̪d̪ gän̪d̪ʱi (2 October 1869 – 30 January Shrimad Rajchandra (full name Sri Raychandbhai Ravajibhai Mehta; born November 9, 1867 to Smt Gandhism (or Gandhianism) is a collection of inspirations principles beliefs and philosophy of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (known as Mahatma Gandhi who was ^[33] Jainism has a distinct idea underlying Tirthankar worship. The physical form is not worshiped, but their Gunas (virtues, qualities) are praised. Tirthankaras remain role-models, and sects such as the Sthanakavasi stringently reject statue worship.

Jain fasting

Main article: Fasting in Jainism

Fasting is common among Jains and a part of Jain festivals. Fasting is very common among Jains and as a part of Jain festivals. Most Jains fast at special times, during festivals, and on holy days. Paryushana is the most prominent festival, lasting eight days for Svetambara Jains and ten days for Digambars, during the monsoon. The monsoon is a time of fasting. However, a Jain may fast at any time, especially if s/he feels some error has been committed. Variations in fasts encourage Jains to do whatever they can to maintain self control.

Some Jains revere a special practice. When a person is aware of approaching death, and feels that s/he has completed all duties, s/he willingly ceases to eat or drink. This form of dying is called santhara. Considered extremely spiritual and creditable, with all awareness of the transitory nature of human experience, it has recently led to a controversy. In Rajasthan, a lawyer petitioned the High Court of Rajasthan to declare Santhara illegal. Jains see Santhara as spiritual detachment, a declaration that a person has finished with this world and now chooses to leave.

Jain worship and rituals

Main article: Jain rituals and festivals

Every day most Jains bow and say their universal prayer, the Namokara Mantra, aka the Navkar Mantra. Jain rituals and festivals play a prominent part in Jainism. Rituals can take place daily or more often while Festivals occur on designated days of Navakar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र is the fundamental prayer in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day Jains have built temples, or Basadi or Derasar, where images of Tirthankaras are revered. Basadi (also basti) is a Jain shrine or temple The word is generally used in South India including Maharashtra Rituals may be elaborate because symbolic objects are offered and Tirthankaras praised in song. But some sects refuse to enter temples or revere images. All Jains accept that images of Tirthankaras are merely symbolic reminders of their paths to attain moksha. Jains are clear that the Jinas reside in moksha and are completely detached from the world.

Jain rituals include:

• Pancakalyanaka Pratishtha
• Pratikramana
• Samayika
• Guru-Vandana, Chaitya Vandana, and other sutras to honor ascetics. Samayika (a Prakrit word derived from samay ( time) is the practice of Meditation in Jainism.

Jain symbolism

The fylfot (swastika) is among the holiest of Jain symbols. The swastika (from Sanskrit: svástika sa स्वस्तिक Hindu IS CORRECT if 'ि' is positioned incorrectly see -->) is Worshippers use rice grains to create a fylfot around the temple altar.

The holiest symbol is a simple swastika. The swastika (from Sanskrit: svástika sa स्वस्तिक Hindu IS CORRECT if 'ि' is positioned incorrectly see -->) is Another important symbol incorporates a wheel on the palm of a hand, symbolizing Ahinsa. Ahimsa ( Devanagari: sa अहिंसा IAST ahiṃsā is a Sanskrit term meaning Non-violence (literally the avoidance of violence -

Other major Jain symbols include:

• 24 Lanchhanas (symbols) of the Tirthankaras
• Triratna and Shrivatsa symbols
• A Tirthankar's or Chakravarti's mother dreams
• Dharmacakra and Siddha-chakra
• Eight auspicious symbols (The Asta Mangalas). In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect The Three Jewels, also called the Three Treasures, the Three Refuges, or the Triple Gem, are the three things that Buddhists take refuge Shrivatsa is an ancient auspicious symbol A Chakravartin (sa चक्रवर्तिन् cakra-vartin, a Sanskrit Bahuvrihi, literally "whose wheels are moving" in the sense of The Dharmachakra ( Sanskrit) or Dhammachakka ( Pāli) Tibetan chos kyi 'khor lo, Chinese fălún 法輪 Siddha-chakra is one of the Jain Yantras It is circular with 5+4 = 9 petals one of which is marked with representation of a siddha a liberated soul Their names are (in series of pictures)

1. Svastika -Signifies peace and well-being
2. Shrivatsa -A mark manifested on the centre of the Jina's chest, signifying a pure soul.
3. Nandyavartya -Large svastika with nine corners
4. Vardha­manaka -A shallow earthen dish used for lamps, suggests an increase in wealth, fame and merit due to a Jina's grace.
5. Bhadrasana -Throne, considered auspicious because it is sanctified by the blessed Jina's feet.
6. Kalasha -Pot filled with pure water signifying wisdom and completeness
7. Minayugala -A fish couple. It signifies Cupid's banners coming to worship the Jina after defeating the God of Love
8. Darpana -The mirror reflects one's true self because of its clarity

Jain contributions to Indian culture

A Jain temple in Kochi, Kerala, India. Kerala ( Malayalam: {{Kerala in Malayalam}}; India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country

While Jains represent less than 1% of the Indian population, their contributions to culture and society in India are considerable. Jainism had a major influence in developing a system of philosophy and ethics that had a major impact on all aspects of Indian culture in all ages : from Upanishads to Mahatma Gandhi. The Upanishads ( Devanagari: उपनिषद् IAST: upaniṣad also spelled "Upanisad" are Hindu scriptures that constitute the core teachings Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ( Gujarati: મોહનદાસ કરમચંદ ગાંધી moɦən̪d̪äs kəɾəmʧən̪d̪ gän̪d̪ʱi (2 October 1869 – 30 January The scholarly research and evidences have shown that philosophical concepts considered typically Indian – Karma, Ahinsa, Moksa, reincarnation and like - either originate in the sramana school of thought or were propagated and developed by Jaina teachers. Karma in Jainism ( Sanskrit: कर्म kär'mə kär'mən Prakrit: कम्म kä'mmə refers not only to the actions and deeds that are part of the Mokṣa ( Sanskrit: मोक्ष liberation or Mokkha ( Prakrit: मोक्ख) means liberation salvation or emancipation of soul A Shramana ( Sanskrit sa श्रमण śramaṇa, Pāli pi शमण samaṇa) is a wandering monk in certain Ascetic ^[34] These concepts were later assimilated in Hinduism and other religions, often in a different form and with different meanings. Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Jains have also wielded great influence on the culture and language of Karnatak, Southern India and Gujarat most significantly. Gujarat (ગુજરાત Gujǎrāt, pronounced) is a state in western India. The earliest known Gujarati text, Bharat-Bahubali Ras, was written by a Jain monk. Some important people in Gujarat's Jain history were Acharya Hemacandra Suri and his pupil, the Calukya ruler Kumarapala. Hemachandra Surī (हेमचन्द्र सूरी (1089–1172 was an Indian Jain Scholar, poet and Polymath who wrote The Chalukya dynasty ( Kannada: ಚಾಲುಕ್ಯರು ʧaːɭukjə was an Indian royal dynasty that ruled large parts of southern and Central Kumarpal (1143-1172 AD was a famous ruler of Anahilavada ( Patan)

Jains are both among the wealthiest Indians and the most philanthropic. They run numerous schools, colleges and hospitals and are important patrons of the Somapuras, the traditional temple architects in Gujarat. Jains have greatly influenced Gujarati cuisine. Gujarati cuisine refers to the cuisine of the people from the state of Gujarat in the Western Region of India Gujarat is predominantly vegetarian (as is Jainism; see Jain vegetarianism), and its food is mild as onions and garlic are omitted. Jain vegetarianism is the diet of the Jains the followers of Jainism.

Jains encourage their monks to do research and obtain higher education. Jain monks and nuns, particularly in Rajasthan, have published numerous research monographs. This is unique among Indian religious groups and parallels Christian clergy. The 2001 census states that Jains are India's most literate community and that India's oldest libraries at Patan and Jaisalmer are preserved by Jain institutions.

Lord Krishna in Jainism

The most exalted figures in Jainism are the twenty-four Tirthankaras. Krishna (कृष्ण in Devanagari kṛṣṇa in IAST, ˈkr̩ʂɳə in classical Sanskrit is a deity worshiped across many traditions of Hinduism Krishna, when he was incorporated into the Jain list of heroic figures presented a problem with his activities which are not pacifist or non-violent. The concept of Baladeva, Vasudeva and Prati-Vasedeva was used to solve it. The Jain list of sixty-three Shalakapurshas or notable figures includes amongst others, the twenty-four Tirthankaras and nine sets of this triad. One of these triads is Krishna as the Vasudeva, Balarama as the Baladeva and Jarasandha as the Prati-Vasudeva. He was a cousin of the twenty-second Tirthankara, Neminatha. The stories of these triads can be found in the Harivamsha of Jinasena (not be confused with its namesake, the addendum to Mahābhārata) and the Trishashti-shalakapurusha-charita of Hemachandra. In each age of the Jain cyclic time is born a Vasudeva with an elder brother termed the Baladeva. For the Kushan king see Vasudeva I. For the book by Narendra Kohli see Vasudeva (book. The villain is the Prati-vasudeva. Baladeva is the upholder of the Jain principle of non-violence. However, Vasudeva has to forsake this principle to kill the Prati-Vasudeva and save the world. The Vasudeva then has to descend to hell as punishment for this violent act. Having undergone the punishment he is then reborn as a Tirthankara.

Jain literature

Jains have contributed to India's classical and popular literature. For example, almost all early Kannada literature and Tamil literature was authored by Jains. Kannada literature is the body of literature of Kannada, a Dravidian language spoken mainly in the Indian state of Karnataka and written in the Tamil (ta தமிழ்; t̪əmɨɻ is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent.

• Some of the oldest known books in Hindi and Gujarati were written by Jain scholars. The first autobiography in Hindi, [Ardha-Kathanaka] was written by a Jain, Banarasidasa, an ardent follower of Acarya Kundakunda who lived in Agra. Kundakunda (also Kundkund is a celebrated Jain Acharya, Jain scholar monk 2nd century CE composer of spiritual classics such as Samayasara,
• Several Tamil classics are written by Jains or with Jain beliefs and values as the core subject. Tamil (ta தமிழ்; t̪əmɨɻ is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. The Tamil Sangams are legendary assemblies of Tamil scholars and poets that according to traditional Tamil accounts existed in the remote past
• Practically all the known texts in the Apabhramsha language are Jain works.

The oldest Jain literature is in Shauraseni and Ardha-Magadhi Prakrit (Agamas, Agama-Tulya, Siddhanta texts, etc). Many classical texts are in Sanskrit (Tatvartha Sutra, Puranas, Kosh, Sravakacara, mathematics, Nighantus etc). Tattvartha Sutra (also known as Tattvarth-adhigama-sutra or Moksh-Shastra) is a Jaina text written by Acharya Umaswati or Umasvami For other meanings see Purana (disambiguation. The Puranas ( Sanskrit: sa पुराण purāṇa, "of ancient times" "Abhidhana Rajendra Kosha" written by Acharya Rajendrasuri, is only one available Jain encyclopedia or Jain dictionary to understand the Jain Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Ardha-Magadhi and other Jain languages, words, their use and references with in oldest Jain literature. Acharya Rajendrasuri (1827-1906 (आचार्य राजैंद्रसुरी was the major reformer of 18th and 19th century in Shvetambar sect of Jainism Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma (जैन धर्म is an ancient religion of India. Prakrit (also transliterated as Pracrit) ( Sanskrit: prākṛta प्राकृत (from pra-kṛti प्रकृति according to one Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Later Jain literature was written in Apabhramsha (Kahas, rasas, and grammars), Hindi (Chhahadhala, Mokshamarga Prakashaka, and others), Tamil (Jivakacintamani, Kural, and others), and Kannada (Vaddaradhane and various other texts). Hindi ( Devanāgarī: hi [[wiktहिन्दी हिन्दी]] or hi [[wiktहिंदी हिंदी]] IAST:, IPA:) is Moksh Marg Prakashak is a scripture written by Pandit Todarmal. Tamil (ta தமிழ்; t̪əmɨɻ is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. Civaka-cintamani (transliterated with innumerable variations is a classical Tamil language epic poem The Kural is one of the most important forms of classical Tamil Poetry. Kannada (kn [[wiktಕನ್ನಡ ಕನ್ನಡ]] Kannaḍa) is one of the major Dravidian languages of India, spoken predominantly in the state Vaddaradhane by Shivakotiacharya is the earliest extant prose work in Kannada. Jain versions of Ramayana and Mahabharata are found in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Apabhramsha and Kannada. The Rāmāyaṇa ( Devanāgarī: sa रामायण is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the Hindu sage ( Maharishi) Valmiki

Jain monks and nuns (Sadhu or Muni Maharaj)

Main article: Jain Monks and Nuns

Palitana Tirtha

In India there are thousands of Jain Monks, in categories like Acharya, Upadhyaya and Muni. Jain Muni or simply Muni is the term often used for Jain Monks ref>Jains in the World Religious Values and Ideology in India By John E WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Palitana is a city a Municipality and former Princely state in Bhavnagar district A tirtha is a Pilgrimage site Literally the Sanskrit term tirtha means a ford, a shallow part of a body of water that may be easily Trainee ascetics are known as Ailaka and Ksullaka in the Digambar tradition.

There are two categories of ascetics. Sadhu (monk) and Sadhvi (nun). They practice the five Mahavratas, three Guptis and five Samitis:

5 Mahavratas

अहिंसा Ahimsa: Non-violence in thought, word and deed

सत्य Satya: Truth which is (hita) beneficial, (mita) succinct and (priya) pleasing

अचौर्य Acaurya: Not accepting anything that has not been given to them by the owner

ब्रह्मचर्य Brahmacarya: Absolute purity of mind and body

अपरिग्रह Aparigraha: Non-attachment to non-self objects

3 Guptis

मनगुप्ती Managupti: Control of the mind

वचनगुप्ती Vacanagupti: Control of speech

कायगुप्ती Kayagupti: Control of body

5 Samitis

ईर्या समिति Irya Samiti: Carefulness while walking

भाषा समिति Bhasha Samiti: Carefulness while communicating

एषणा समिति Eshana Samiti: Carefulness while eating

आदान निक्षेपण समिति Adana Nikshepana Samiti: Carefulness while handling their fly-whisks, water gourds, etc.

प्रतिष्ठापना समिति Pratishthapana Samiti: Carefulness while disposing of bodily waste matter

________

Male Digambara monks do not wear any clothes and are nude. They practise non-attachment to the body and hence, wear no clothes. Shvetambara monks and nuns wear white clothes. Shvetambaras believe that monks and nuns may wear simple un-stitched white clothes as long as they are not attached to them. Jain monks and nuns travel on foot. They do not use mechanical transport.

Holy days

• Paryushan Parva, 10/8 (Digambar/SVetambar) day fasts, and for observe, 10/8 important principles. Two of the most important festivals for the Jains are Paryushana and Diwali.
• Mahavir Janma Kalyanak,^[35] Lord Mahavir's birth,it is popularly known as 'Mahavir Jayanti' but the term 'jayanti' is inappropriate for a Tirthankar, as this term is used for mortals. Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान
• Kshamavaani, The day for asking everyone's forgiveness. Kshamavani or "Forgiveness Day" is a day of forgiving and seeking forgiveness for the followers of Jainism.

Jainism and other religions

See also: Buddhism and Jainism , Jainism and Islam , and Jainism and Sikhism

Jainism, while having no creator God, is not atheistic. Buddhism and Jainism are the two branches of the Shramana tradition that still exist today Islam and Jainism came in close contact with each other following the Islamic conquest from Central Asia and Persia in the seventh Both Jainism and Sikhism have originated in South Asia and are Eastern philosophical faiths Atheism The notion of god is replaced by the notion of "the very nature of things" (vastu-svs-bhavah-dharmah).
Jains are not a part of the Vedic Religion (Hinduism). Hinduism is a religious tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent. ^[36][37][38] Ancient India had two philosophical streams of thought: The Shramana philosophical schools, represented by Jainism and Buddhism; and the Brahmana/Vedic/Puranic schools represented by Vedanta, Vaishnava and other movements. A Shramana ( Sanskrit sa श्रमण śramaṇa, Pāli pi शमण samaṇa) is a wandering monk in certain Ascetic Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices The Brāhmaṇa s ( Devanagari: sa ब्राह्मणं are part of the Hindu śruti literature For other meanings see Purana (disambiguation. The Puranas ( Sanskrit: sa पुराण purāṇa, "of ancient times" Vedanta ( Devanagari: sa वेदान्त Vedānta) is a spiritual tradition explained in the Upanishads that is concerned with the Self-realisation Vaishnavism is a tradition of Hinduism, distinguished from other schools by its worship of Vishnu or its associated avatars principally as Rama and Both streams are subset of the Dharmic family of faith and have existed side by side for many thousands of years, influencing each other. The Sanskrit term ( Devanāgarī: धर्म Pali transliteration dhamma) is an Indian spiritual and religious ^[39]

The Hindu scholar, Lokmanya Tilak credited Jainism with influencing Hinduism and thus leading to the cessation of animal sacrifice in Vedic rituals. Bal Gangadhar Tilak has described Jainism as the originator of Ahinsa and wrote in a letter printed in Bombay Samachar, Mumbai:10 Dec, 1904: "In ancient times, innumerable animals were butchered in sacrifices. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (बाळ गंगाधर टिळक ( July 23 1856 - August 1 1920) was an Indian nationalist The Bombay Samachar is the oldest continuously published Newspaper in India. Evidence in support of this is found in various poetic compositions such as the Meghaduta. But the credit for the disappearance of this terrible massacre from the Brahminical religion goes to Jainism. "

Swami Vivekananda^[40] also credited Jainsim as influencing force behind the Indian culture. Swami Vivekananda (স্বামী বিবেকানন্দ Shami Bibekānondo; स्वामी विवेकानन्द Svāmi Vivekānanda) (

"What could have saved Indian society from the ponderous burden of omnifarious ritualistic ceremonialism, with its animal and other sacrifices, which all but crushed the very life of it, except the Jain revolution which took its strong stand exclusively on chaste morals and philosophical truths?. .

Jains were the first great ascetics. "Don't injure any, do good to all that you can and that is all the morality and ethics, and that is all the work there is, and the rest is all nonsense. . . Throw it away. " And then they went to work and elaborated this one principle, and it is a most wonderful ideal: how all that we call ethics they simply bring out from one great principle of non-injury and doing good. "

• Relationship between Jainism and Hinduism-To quote from the Encyclopædia Britannica Article on Hinduism,[3]". . . With Jainism which always remained an Indian religion, Hinduism has so much in common, especially in social institutions and ritual life, that nowadays Hindus tend to consider it a Hindu sect. Many Jains also are inclined to fraternization. . . "
• Independent Religion - From the Encyclopædia Britannica Article on Jainism: ". . . Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, it is one of the three most ancient Indian religious traditions still in existence. . . . While often employing concepts shared with Hinduism and Buddhism, the result of a common cultural and linguistic background, the Jain tradition must be regarded as an independent phenomenon. It is an integral part of South Asian religious belief and practice, but it is not a Hindu sect or Buddhist heresy, as earlier scholars believed. "[4] The author Koenraad Elst in his book, Who is a Hindu?, summarises on the similaries between Jains and the mainstream Hindu society. Koenraad Elst (born 7 August 1959) is a Belgian Writer and Orientalist (without institutional affiliation See also Hindutva Who Is a Hindu? Who is a Hindu? is a book by Koenraad Elst published in 2001 by Voice of India.

Languages used in Jain literature

Jain literature exists in Prakrit, Sanskrit, Tamil, Apabhramsha, Rajasthani, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kutchi, Kannada, Tulu, Telugu, Dhundhari (Old Marwari), English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Russian. Prakrit (also transliterated as Pracrit) ( Sanskrit: prākṛta प्राकृत (from pra-kṛti प्रकृति according to one Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Tamil (ta தமிழ்; t̪əmɨɻ is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly by Tamil people of the Indian subcontinent. Rajasthani (राजस्थानी is a language or language cluster Bagri: about five million speakers in Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar districts of Hindi ( Devanāgarī: hi [[wiktहिन्दी हिन्दी]] or hi [[wiktहिंदी हिंदी]] IAST:, IPA:) is Marathi (mr मराठी Marāṭhī) is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the Marathi people of what is considered western India. Gujarati (ગુજરાતી Gujǎrātī ? Kachhi (also spelled Cutchi or Kachchhi) ( Urdu: کچھی) is a Indo-Aryan Language spoken in the Kutch region of the Kannada (kn [[wiktಕನ್ನಡ ಕನ್ನಡ]] Kannaḍa) is one of the major Dravidian languages of India, spoken predominantly in the state Dhundari is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in the Dhundhar region of northeastern Rajasthan state India. The Marwari language (mārwāṛī also variously Marvari, Marwadi, Marvadi) is spoken in the Indian state of Rajasthan, but is also found in English is a West Germanic language originating in England and is the First language for most people in the United Kingdom, the United States The German language (de ''Deutsch'') is a West Germanic language and one of the world's major languages. French ( français,) is a Romance language spoken around the world by 118 million people as a native language and by about 180 to 260 million people Italian ( or lingua italiana) is a Romance language spoken by about 63 million people as a First language, primarily in Italy. Portuguese ( or língua portuguesa) is a Romance language that originated in what is now Galicia (Spain and northern Portugal. Russian ( transliteration:,) is the most geographically widespread language of Eurasia, the most widely spoken of the Slavic languages

Constitutional status of Jainism in India

Main article: Legal Status of Jainism as a Distinct Religion

In 2005 the Supreme Court of India in a judgment stated that Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists are sub-sects or 'special faiths' of Hinduism, and are governed under the ambit of Hindu laws. Jainism is considered by many as a legally distinct Religion in India. ^[41] In the same year however, it declined to issue a writ of Mandamus towards granting Jains the status of a religious minority throughout India. A writ of mandamus or simply mandamus, which means "we command" in Latin, is the name of one of the Prerogative writs in the Common The Court noted that Jains have been declared a minority in 5 states already, and left it to the rest of the States to decide on the minority status of Jain religion. [5]

In 2006 the Supreme Court in a judgment pertaining to a state, opined that "Jain Religion is indisputably not a part of the Hindu Religion". (para 25, Committee of Management Kanya Junior High School Bal Vidya Mandir, Etah, U. P. v. Sachiv, U. P. Basic Shiksha Parishad, Allahabad, U. P. and Ors. , Per Dalveer Bhandari J. , Civil Appeal No. 9595 of 2003, decided On: 21. 08. 2006, Supreme Court of India) [2]

See also

• Jain community
• Jain flag
• Jain Meditation
• Jains in India
• List of Jain temples
• List of Jains

Notes

External links

• eJainDharam.com, Worlds Biggest Information Portal Under Development.
• Click Here, Unique web journal of Jain dharma, IN Chronological Order!
• jainuniversity.org, Jain Education and Information
• T. U. Mehta. Path of Arhat - A Religious Democracy. Retrieved on 2008-03-11. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1425 BC - Thutmose III, Pharaoh of Egypt, dies (according to the Low Chronology of the 18th Dynasty
• atmadharma.com, Kanji Swami followers Magazine plus Extras
• Website for Jainism in India
• mangalayatan.com, Various pics from Aligarh
• jainpushp.org, Kanji Swami's follower's portal from Devlali.
• atma-darshan.org
• Jain and Indology group
• Jain-class group
• Jain Perceptions blog
• BBC page on Jainism
• Yorkshire Jain Foundation
• Yahoo Group - Jain Association International
• Jainism - objects, art and history. Asia. Victoria and Albert Museum. The Victoria and Albert Museum (often abbreviated as the V&A) in London is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design housing a permanent collection Retrieved on 2007-12-06. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1060 - Béla I of Hungary is crowned king of Hungary 1240 - Mongol invasion of Rus: Kiev

Further reading

• Alsdorf, Ludwig. Jaina Studies: Their Present State and Future Tasks. Eng. tr. Bal Patil. Edited by Willem Bollée. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 1. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2006.
• Amiel,Pierre. " Les Jaïns aujourd'hui dans le monde" Ed. L'Harmattan, Paris, 2003.
• Balbir, Nalini (Ed. ) Catalogue of the Jain Manuscripts of the British Library. Set of 3 books. London: Institute of Jainology, 2006.
• Bollée, Willem. The Story of Paesi Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 2. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2005.
• Bollée, Willem. Vyavahara Bhasya Pithika. Prakrit text with English translation, annotations and exhaustive Index by Willem Bollée. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 4. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2006.
• Caillat, Colette "La cosmologie jaïna" Ed. Prof Dr Colette Caillat (1921–2007 was a French professor of Sanskrit and Comparative grammar. du Chêne, Paris 1981.
• Chand, Bool. "Mahavira-Le Grand héros des Jaïns" Maisonneuve et Larose, Paris 1998.
• Hynson, Colin. Discover Jainism. Ed. Mehool Sanghrajka. London: Institute of Jainology, 2007.
• Jain, DuliChand. English version of "Baghawan Mahavir ki Vani" - Thus Spake Lord Mahavir. Chennai, Sri Ramakrishna Math, 1998.
• Jain, Duli Chandra (Ed. ) Studies in Jainism. Set of 3 books. New York: Jain Stucy Circle, 2004.
• Jalaj, Jaykumar. The Basic Thought of Bhagavan Mahavir. Ed. Elinor Velázquez. (5th edition) Jaipur: Prakrit Bharati Academy, 2007.
• Joindu. Paramatmaprakasha. Apabhramsha text with Hindi tr. by Jaykumar Jalaj. Ed. Manish Modi. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 9. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2007.
• Joindu. Yogasara. Apabhramsha text with Hindi tr. by Jaykumar Jalaj. Ed. Satyanarayana Hegde. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 10. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2008.
• Kapashi, Vinod. Nava Smarana: Nine Sacred Recitations of Jainism. Ed. Signe Kirde. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2007.
• Kundakunda. Atthapahuda Prakrit text with Hindi tr. by Jaykumar Jalaj. Ed. Manish Modi. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 6. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2006.
• Mardia, K. V. The Scientific Foundations of Jainism. Motilal Banarsidass, New Delhi, latest edition 2007. ISBN 81-208-0659-x (Jain Dharma ki Vigyanik Adharshila. Parsvanath Vidhyapitha, Varanasi. 2004. ISBN 81-86715-71-1).
• Mehta, T. U. Path of Arhat - A Religious Democracy, Volume 63, Faridabad: Pujya Sohanalala Smaraka Parsvanatha Sodhapitha, 1993.
• Patil, Bal. Jaya Gommatesha. Foreword by Colette Caillat. Prof Dr Colette Caillat (1921–2007 was a French professor of Sanskrit and Comparative grammar. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2006.
• Prabhacandra. Tattvarthasutra. Sanskrit text with Hindi tr. by Jaykumar Jalaj. Preface by Nalini Balbir. Ed. Manish Modi. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 7. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2008.
• Pujyapada. Samadhitantra. Sanskrit text with Hindi tr. by Jaykumar Jalaj. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 5. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2006.
• Pujyapada. Istopadesha. Sanskrit text with Hindi tr. by Jaykumar Jalaj. Ed. Manish Modi. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 14. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2007.
• Rankin, Aidan. 'The Jain Path: Ancient Wisdom for the West. ' Winchester/Washington DC: O Books, 2006.
• Reymond Jean-Pierre "L'Inde des Jaïns" Ed. Atlas 1991.
• Roy, Ashim Kumar. A history of the Jains, New Delhi: Gitanjali Publishing House, 1984.
• Samantabhadra. Ratnakaranda Sravakacara. Sanskrit text with Hindi tr. by Jaykumar Jalaj. Preface by Paul Dundas. Pandit Nathuram Premi Research Series Volume 3. Mumbai: Hindi Granth Karyalay, 2006.
• Sangave Vilas. 'Le Jaïnisme-Philosophie et Religion de l'Inde" Editions Trédaniel Paris 1999.
• Todarmal. Moksamarga Prakashaka. Jaipur: Todarmal Smarak Trust, 1992.
• Vijayashri. Sachitra Pacchis Bol. Agra: Mahasati Kaushalya Devi Prakashan Trust, 2005.