JAINISM - Indian civilisation has produced many philosophies and religions. Among them is Jainism, one of the oldest religion in the world. Though historians have made various speculations about its origins, the origin of Jainism remains untraceable. Jains believe it to be an eternal religion.

JAINISM is a way of thinking and living based on logic and science. The name Jainism comes from Jina, meaning ‘victor’ over the self. Jinas have achieved liberation from karmic bondage and attained the true characteristics of the soul such as infinite faith, infinite knowledge, perfect conduct, infinite bliss and eternity by their own efforts. They are called tirthankaras, those who lead us towards the path of the eternal life of perfection. When Jains say that Jainism is a religion preached by the Jinas, they mean Jainism expresses the eternal truths of life and spirituality taught by pure souls, who are victors of themselves, with perfect knowledge and understanding.

 Jainism believes the universe to be eternal, its constituents such as living and non-livings things may change form, but they are basically eternal. Time rotates in a cycle, like a wheel moving clockwise, descending and ascending. In each half of the time cycle (aeon), descending and ascending, twenty-four tirthankaras revive Jainism. The first tirthankara in this aeon was Risabhdeva and the twenty-fourth (and last) was Vardhamana Mahavira who lived from 599 to 527 BC.

 Its teachings are right and appropriate for any age or era. Even in modern age where reasoning and science are the yard sticks, the Jain teachings look relevant to the thinking of the modern world which believes in individual freedom, socialism, and equality of all the souls irrespective of caste, colour, race or sex. It wishes well of all living beings and malice to none, but love and fraternity to all.

It explains fully the philosophy of the soul and matter, the importance of the human life and shows the perfect code of useful and healthy living.

We have inherited this fine philosophy through the teachings of LORD MAHAVIR and it is upto us to keep this heritage alive.

Mahavira

Mahavira, who was thirty years older than Buddha, revived and expounded the religious, philosophical and ethical teachings of previous tirthankaras. Over a period of nearly a century after Mahavira’s liberation, Jainism produced a series of omniscients. These were followed in succession, for more than two centuries, by scriptural omniscients and later by prominent ascetic scholars. These knowledgeable ascetics evolved Jainism into a complete religious system, with its own philosophy, ethics, rituals and mythology. They produced 45 scriptures, known as agams, and vast sacred literature, covering all aspects of human life and the situation of other living beings in the universe.

Jain Society

Mahavira was very practical in his approach. He divided society into male ascetics and female ascetics, who can follow his teachings rigorously, and laymen and laywomen who can pursue the path of his teachings to the best of their abilities in the light of their worldly duties. Jainism does not demand unquestioning faith from its followers, but encourages understanding before acceptance. The fourfold order developed into a highly organised society of monastic orders and laypeople.  

Jains have created beautiful temples, upashrayas (places of meditation), and preserved most of their sacred literature. They have established institutions of education, social welfare and animal welfare. ‘Live and help to live’ is their motto and their way of life is based on the teachings of Mahavira.

Jainism believes in the equality of all souls and reverence for life in its totality. It accords significance to the minutest living organisms. Animal welfare, vegetarianism and care of the environment are very much at the heart of Jain beliefs. Relative pluralism has made Jains tolerant towards other faiths. Jainism does not believe in active conversion, but accepts a person, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or gender, as Jain, who follows the Jain way of life.

We believe in re-birth till the soul has karmic bondage, but once soul is liberated by shedding all karma, there is no rebirth. Such liberated souls live in total bliss in Siddhasila at the tope of occupied Universe.

There are about 30,000 Jains in the Europe, 50,000 in USA, and 12 million in the whole world (As many Jains are included as Hindus, Indian census figures are unreliable). Most of them live in India. There are more than 10,000 Jain monks and nuns in India, but as they have taken the complete vow of non-violence and travel on feet, they cannot come to UK. Let us hope at some time in future, we produce monks and nuns here.

This website is aimed at providing background and information on Jainism, its philosophy, its culture and much more along with activities and events taking place at the Jain Centre in Leicester.

If you have any comments/complaints/enquiries or wish to submit your article to put on the website, please e-mail: Sanket Mehta