Jainism
Religion exists all across the world in many different shapes and forms. All these religions are different in their own way. One of these religions is known as Jainism. Jainism, a non-theistic religion (Long, 2009), is, contrary to the belief of some, an independent world religion. Many believe and say Jainism was founded by Vardhamana Mahavira in about 500 B.C. But Mahavira was one of twenty-four Tirthankara’s, one’s who make liberation possible (Long, 2009). Mahavira’s predecessor, Parsvanatha, was the twenty-third Tirthankara who is believed to have taught a path of asceticism and self-restraint (Long, 2009). In other words, Mahavira was just a “re-discoverer” of Jainism. Followers of Jainism, also known as “Jains” (Eliade, 1907), …show more content…
But Jainism seems to be lacking in terms of holy events. The first of the rituals listed is Puja which is an intense prayer performed by Jains (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997) with a weird twist. During the intense prayer, the Jain is placed in front of a sculpture of a significant being within the religion such as a teacher to provide the Jain praying with an illustration of how to achieve Moksha (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997). Another ritual is Samayik. Samayik is a somewhat simple ritual that last for exactly forty-eight minutes (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997). During those forty-eight minutes, the Jain asks for forgiveness for sins committed. Namokar Mantra is somewhat similar to the ritual of Samayik. Namokar Mantra is a brief prayer that can be used anytime and anywhere, and it is used to display a person’s deep respect for those that have obtained Nirvana (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997). Last of the rituals is Preksadhyana which is a form of meditation which helps the subject calm themselves and move closer to spiritual freedom (Long, 2009). Not many holy events are found in Jainism. One of significant importance is the Holy Week of Paryushan which typically occurs in August or Septemer (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997). The Holy Week lasts anywhere from eight to ten days and is used for Jains to looks back on their actions of the past year …show more content…
Yes, in a way it is so much similar to Hinduism and Buddhism, but at the same time it is its own religion completely. In my opinion, I think the idea of Ahimsa or non-violence is crazy. Not only does it refer to non-violence as in harm to others but it also refers to non-violence in terms of all things living including the tiniest animals. I can’t imagine watching my every step making sure I did not step on some sort of insect. I can’t imagine not being able to go get a late night snack due to the possibility that I might step on an ant because I cannot see. I personally think the whole thing is so cool yet so crazy. It’s almost as if they hold themselves to a completely new standard compared to other
Religion exists all across the world in many different shapes and forms. All these religions are different in their own way. One of these religions is known as Jainism. Jainism, a non-theistic religion (Long, 2009), is, contrary to the belief of some, an independent world religion. Many believe and say Jainism was founded by Vardhamana Mahavira in about 500 B.C. But Mahavira was one of twenty-four Tirthankara’s, one’s who make liberation possible (Long, 2009). Mahavira’s predecessor, Parsvanatha, was the twenty-third Tirthankara who is believed to have taught a path of asceticism and self-restraint (Long, 2009). In other words, Mahavira was just a “re-discoverer” of Jainism. Followers of Jainism, also known as “Jains” (Eliade, 1907), …show more content…
But Jainism seems to be lacking in terms of holy events. The first of the rituals listed is Puja which is an intense prayer performed by Jains (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997) with a weird twist. During the intense prayer, the Jain is placed in front of a sculpture of a significant being within the religion such as a teacher to provide the Jain praying with an illustration of how to achieve Moksha (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997). Another ritual is Samayik. Samayik is a somewhat simple ritual that last for exactly forty-eight minutes (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997). During those forty-eight minutes, the Jain asks for forgiveness for sins committed. Namokar Mantra is somewhat similar to the ritual of Samayik. Namokar Mantra is a brief prayer that can be used anytime and anywhere, and it is used to display a person’s deep respect for those that have obtained Nirvana (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997). Last of the rituals is Preksadhyana which is a form of meditation which helps the subject calm themselves and move closer to spiritual freedom (Long, 2009). Not many holy events are found in Jainism. One of significant importance is the Holy Week of Paryushan which typically occurs in August or Septemer (“Brief Overview of Jainism”, 1997). The Holy Week lasts anywhere from eight to ten days and is used for Jains to looks back on their actions of the past year …show more content…
Yes, in a way it is so much similar to Hinduism and Buddhism, but at the same time it is its own religion completely. In my opinion, I think the idea of Ahimsa or non-violence is crazy. Not only does it refer to non-violence as in harm to others but it also refers to non-violence in terms of all things living including the tiniest animals. I can’t imagine watching my every step making sure I did not step on some sort of insect. I can’t imagine not being able to go get a late night snack due to the possibility that I might step on an ant because I cannot see. I personally think the whole thing is so cool yet so crazy. It’s almost as if they hold themselves to a completely new standard compared to other