Schoolcraft

The Practices and Beliefs of Jainism

Anne Buford
Ancient World History
6 November 2014

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Jainism and other Indian religious traditions developed in ancient South Asia around the 6th
century B.C.E and continued to grow for more than a thousand years.1 The name the religion derives
from, the Jinas, means the conquerors in Indian; this can be seen as somewhat ironic seeing as how the
Jain faith focuses on non-violence. 2 Jainism shares the belief of karma and the belief of reincarnation
with other Indian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism.2 The Jain faith also includes various gods
and goddesses who serve the Jinas. 3 Jainism's ethical system is based on the idea that right faith,
knowledge, and conduct must be cultivated simultaneously(Library). The history, doctrine, and customs
of Jainism are the three main factors that helped shape the religion.
The practices of Jainism arouse sometime around the 6th century B.C.E. Mahavira is regarded as
the man who gave Jainism its present-day form; although this is true only in the widest sense. He is
sometimes wrongly called "the founder of Jainism"( Religions-Jainism:Mahavira). Mahavira was born as
Vardhamana in north east India in 599 B.C.E and was a prince who followed the teachings of Parshva. 4
When he reached the age of thirty he left the palace to live the life of sadhana (one who renounces all
worldly pleasures and comforts).4 For approximately twelve years he participated in extreme fasting and
meditation.4 Eventually his efforts were obtained when he reached enlightenment. 4After achieving
enlightenment Mahavira taught the path he had discovered to other seekers.4 Mahavira died at the age
of 72 after a final period of intense fasting.4 Many believed he achieved moksha, the final liberation
from all rebirths. 4
There are three main principles of Jainism which include Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Anekantvad
(Non-Absolutism), and Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness).5 Ahimsa is the most fundamental and well
known aspect of the Jains practice.5 The Jain define violence as intentional or unintentional harm and
they extend the practice on Ahimsa towards all living beings.5 Ahimsa is the reason many Jains are
vegetarian/vegan. 5 The second principal is Anekantavada and refers to the principles of pluralism and

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multiplicity of viewpoints, and to the notion that truth and reality are perceived differently from diverse
points of view, no single one of which is complete(Jainism). This principal encourages the consideration
of the views and beliefs of other religions.5 Lastly, the third principal Aparigraha emphasizes taking no
more than is truly necessary.5 Followers should minimize material possessions and limit attachments. 5
Rituals are important to the Jain faith because it is through them that beliefs and values are
expressed(Jain Rituals and Practices). The Jain faith allows you to worship multiple deities.6 Worship
occurs publically at stone temples or at home at wooden shrine which resemble the temple.6 While
worshiping people may chant mantras, gaze at images of the gods, or simply imagine the image of the
gods.6 Although the prime focus of Jainism is self-discipline, adherents may call upon the deities for
assistance on their journey(Jain Rituals and Practices). Another aspect they incorporate into their
religion is mediation.6 Jain mediation focuses on achieving a peaceful state of mine and usually involves
the chanting of mantras.6 Mantras are very important part of Jain worship in particular the Five
Homages which are said by most Jains every morning.
The Jain faith has three important aspects that help shape the religion which include their
history, doctrine, and customs. Prince Mahavira born in 599 B.C.E can be seen as the man who gave
Jainism its present-day form. 4When he was thirty he left his palace to try and achieve sadhana. 4After
about twelve years of extreme fasting and mediation Mahavira achieved enlightenment. 4After finding
enlightenment he helped by sharing his beliefs with others.4 At the age of 72 Mahavira died from
intense fasting.4 The three main principles of Jainism include Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Anekantvad (NonAbsolutism), and Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness).5Ahimsa is the most fundamental and well known
aspect of the Jains practice. 5Many Jains are vegan/vegetarian due to Ahimsa.5 Lastly, rituals are a very
important part of the Jain faith. 6Worship of the deities can either be done in public at a stone temple or
at home which wooden shrines resembling the temple. 6Meditation is other custom the Jains partake in;

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their meditation involves a peaceful state of mind. 6 During mediation they typical chant mantras, the
most important being the Five Homages which are said almost every morning.6

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Works Cited
"Jainism." <i>Wikipedia</i>. Wikimedia Foundation, 4 Nov. 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2014.
"Jainism: Jain Principles, History, Resources, History." <i>Jainism: Jain Principles, History, Resources, History</i>.
Jain Ring. Web. 6 Nov. 2014.
"Jain Rituals and Practices." <i>Rituals and Practices of Jainism</i>. ReligionFacts, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 8 Nov. 2014.
"Library." <i>Jainism Origins, Jainism History, Jainism Beliefs</i>. Patheos, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 6 Nov. 2014.
"Religions-Jainism:Mahavira." <i>BBC News</i>. BBC, 10 Sept. 2009. Web. 8 Nov. 2014.

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Notes
1. http://www.patheos.com/Library/Jainism.html
2. http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/t/the-jain-faith/
3. http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/j/jainism/
4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/history/mahavira.shtml
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism#Non-Violence
6. http://www.religionfacts.com/jainism/practices.htm