Jainism Research Paper

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Jainism is a type of self-help religion that was founded in India. This religion originated around 550 BCE close to the same time as Buddhism (“Jainism” 2). Jainism has about 24 founding figures, or tirthankaras, but they only consider one to be the actual founder. Nataputta Vardhamana, also known as Mahavira, was born into a family with royal status. He lived a life that was unsatisfying which caused him to leave and journey to find something more (Brood). Mahavira, it is believed, reached the state of kevala, which means omniscience, after he wandered around for 12 years. On his journey, he restrained from violence, harsh words, hurting insects and other people, fasting, and not sleeping. He was able to reach liberation by spending almost three days under the scorching heat of the sun without any shade, all while fasting. Everything he did on his journey, “exemplifies Jainism’s central ideas” which is why he is considered the founder and “great hero” (Brood). …show more content…

His teachings included The Five Great Vows, which are: Ahimsa, Satya, Achaurya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigrigraha (Shah). Ahimsa is the vow of non-violence. This vow is also one of the main principles of Jainism. It requires the followers to not do any harm to any one person, plant, or animal because they are all equal. This vow also requires that any and every type of violence is forbidden. Violence can be explained as the “intention to harm, the absence of compassion” and Jains aim to stay away from this type of violence (Shah). They do understand that they are not able to keep from killing some things because some can be injured by washing, drinking water, or even breathing. Jains strive to live a life that requires minimum harm to any form of life. This vow also explains why the Jains practice vegetarianism; they will not harm any animal for

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