anouk jurgens's List: Jainism

a religion of India that teaches
a path to spiritual purity and
enlightenment through a disciplined mode of life founded upon the tradition of ahimsa,
nonviolence to all living creatures. Beginning in the 7th–5th century BCE, Jainism evolved into a cultural
system that has made significant
contributions to Indian philosophy and logic, art and architecture, mathematics, astronomy and astrology, and literature. Along with Hinduism and Buddhism, it is one of the three most ancient Indian
religious traditions still in
existence.

The first Jain figure for whom there is reasonable historical evidence is Parshvanatha (or Parshva), a renunciant teacher who may have lived in the 7th century BCE and founded a community based upon the abandonment of worldly concerns. Jain tradition regards him as the 23rd Tirthankara
(literally, “Ford-maker,” i.e., one who leads the way across the stream of
rebirths to salvation) of the
current age (kalpa). The 24th and last Tirthankara of this age was Vardhamana, who is known by the
epithet Mahavira (“Great
Hero”) and is believed to have been the last teacher of “right” knowledge,
faith, and practice. Although traditionally dated to 599–527 BCE, Mahavira must be regarded as a close
contemporary of the Buddha
(traditionally believed to have lived in 563–483 BCE but who probably flourished about a century later). The legendary accounts of
Mahavira's life preserved by
the Jain scriptures provides the basis for his biography and enable some
conclusions to be formulated about the nature of the early community he founded.

The texts containing the teachings of Mahavira are called the Agamas, and are
the canonical literature - the scriptures - of Svetambara Jainism.

Mahavira's disciples compiled his words into texts or sutras, and memorised
them to pass on to future generations.

The texts had to be memorised since Jain monks and nuns were not allowed to
possess religious books as part of their vow of non-acquisition, nor were they
allowed to write.

Jain theology developed after Mahavira through the teachings of particularly
learned monks - these teachings too, had to be memorised - and so the amount
that the monks had to remember steadily increased.

Unfortunately many of the original teachings of Mahavira have been lost.

Mahavira Jayanti

This festival celebrates the day of Mahavira's birth.

Jains will gather in temples to hear readings of the teachings of
Mahavira.

Images of Mahavira are paraded through the streets with much pomp and
ceremony.

Paryushana

The word 'Paryushana' means 'to stay in one place', which signifies a time of
reflection and repentance for the Jain devotee. Originally this was primarily a
monastic practice.

This festival consists of eight days of intensive fasting, repentance and
pujas. Often monks will be invited to give teachings from the Jain
scriptures.

Digambra Jain Paryushana celebrations at a temple in Bulawadi, Mumbai ©

Divali

This festival is celebrated throughout all of India.

In Jainism it has special significance, as on this day in 527 BCE (according
to Svetambara tradition) that Mahavira gave his last teachings and attained
ultimate liberation.

On Divali parents will often give sweets to their children, and lamps are lit
all over India. Some very religious Jains will also fast for the two days of
Divali, following the example of Mahavira.

Kartak Purnima

Following Divali in October/November is an important festival called Kartak
Purnima. This is considered to be an auspicious time for pilgrimage to the
sacred sites associated with the Jain religion.

Mauna Agyaras

This is a day-long observance of fasting and silence. Jains also meditate on
the five great beings.