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29 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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“Ford-maker.” A spiritual leader who has found the crossing, or ford, to the far shore of enlightenment. Role models in the Jain religion. Their example and teaching creates a ford across the perilous waters of worldly existence.
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Tirthankara/Tirthankar
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The first Tirthankara.
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Rishabha
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The twenty-third Tithankara. c. 850 BC.
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Parshva
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The twenty-fourth, last and most revered, Tirthankara. Born c. 599BC
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Mahavira
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“Sky-clad.” Conservative Jains who believe that clothing must be discarded for a monk to achieve liberation. Only men can achieve liberation. Women must be reincarnated as men to experience liberation. Common in southern India.
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Digambaras
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“White-clad.” More liberal Jains whose monks wear garments. Women can experience liberation. Common in west and northwestern India.
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Shvetambaras
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A group that separated from the Shvetambaras over the issue of idols. Unlike the Shvetambaras, they don’t accept the use of idols of Tirthankaras in worship.
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Sthanakvasis
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Sanskrit word meaning “non-violence.” Jains revere the life of all living things, and do all they can to avoid taking life.
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ahimsa
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Hindu term describing liberation of the soul from the cycle of rebirth
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moksha
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“Conqueror.” A person who has conquered the afflictions of life and achieved moksha.
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Jina
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A follower of Jina, i.e., a follower of one who has experienced liberation.
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Jain
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A Buddhist term describing the state of absolute bliss associated with enlightenment of being free from self and the suffering it causes.
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Nirvana
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“Tradition.” Ancient Sanskrit scriptures that record the tradition – life and teachings of the Tirthankaras. Consists of three collections: the Purvas, the Angas, and the Anga bahya.
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Agama
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“Ancient texts.” These no longer exist. They contained the teachings of the twenty-four Tirthankaras.
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Purvas
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“Limbs.” Twelve groups of writings that include the life of Mahavirah, as well as moral and philosophical teachings.
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Angas
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“Outside the Angas.” Texts not forming part of the Angas.
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Anga bahya
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The universe.
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loka
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The universe consists of three regions or worlds. The middle world is where man lives. The lower world is hell, and the upper world (Ishatpragbhara) is where liberated souls live.
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triloka
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The soul, which is eternal.
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jiva
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Non-soul entities, that include matter. Binds to the soul.
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ajiva
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The law of cause and effect that binds or glues jiva to ajiva.
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karma
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“Great Ascetic Observances.” Five basic commands by which Jains are to live.
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Mahavratas
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This is a holy death in which a person, usually elderly, voluntarily fasts unto death. It is not regarded as suicide.
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sallekhana
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Sanskrit for “well-being.” An ancient sacred symbol representing the cycles of rebirth.
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Swastika
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A call to halt. It symbolizes non-violence (ahimsa).
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Open palm
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How many Jains are there worldwide?
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4.6 million
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What events occurred to make Mahavira's birth exceptional?
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1. His mother dreamt of her son's greatness, believing he would grow to be a monarch or saint.
2. He was conceived by a Brahmin couple, and his embryo transferred to his mother's womb. 3. He never kicked in the womb, or caused pain to his mother during childbirth. |
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What are the "three jewels" of Jainism?
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1. right insight / viewpoint / faith
2. right conduct 3. right knowledge |
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What are the five mahavratas, which means "great vows" or commandments by which Jains are to live?
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1. No killing
2. No lying 3. No stealing 4. No sexual impurity 5. No attachment to the world. |
