Jain Religion: History And Tradition

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Jain Dharma or Jain Religion is supposed to be the ancient most religion among the various religious traditions prevailing on Indian land since ancient times. This religion is especially based on the victory over sensual pleasures thus directing towards the eternal bliss of soul. Jainism represents a symbiosis of the religious and scientific approaches for better living based on the foundations of Non-violence, Peace, Compassion and Humility towards all living beings. Jainism is the union of personal independence with social and ecological interdependence and believes in harmony and love towards all living beings. In fact, it is a way to lead the perfect life.

Aniruddh Jha is a Professor of Philosophy, University of Hyderabad. He achieved his degrees M.A. (Philosophy) and PhD (Moral Values of Hinduism in Veda) from BHU, Varanasi. He has worked extensively on Vedic philosophy, Classical Indian Philosophy, Contemporary Indian Philosophy, Comparative Religion and Buddhism. He has authored several spiritual books. He has authored more than twenty research papers and articles published in national and international journals. He has travelled all over India to teach Indian Religion & Philosophy.

Jain Dharma or Jain Religion is supposed to be the ancient most religion among the various religious traditions prevailing on Indian land since ancient times. This religion is especially based on the victory over sensual pleasures thus directing towards the eternal bliss of soul.

Jainism represents a symbiosis of the religious and scientific approaches for better living based on the foundations of Non-violence, Peace, Compassion and Humility towards all living beings. Jainism is the union of personal independence with social and ecological interdependence and believes in harmony and love towards all living beings. In fact, it is a way to lead the perfect life.

Jains believe that each living being is an integration of Soul and Body. Soul is an eternal non-material entity, which upon death takes re-birth and continues the cycle of life and death until liberation. Liberation is achieved only after the soul frees itself of all karmic influences of present and past lives.

All Souls are equal in their potential for attaining Enlightenment and Liberation. Different types of Karmas, however, limit this ability of the soul. Karma is understood as a form of subtle matter that adheres to the soul as a result of its actions of body, speech and mind. This accumulated Karma is the cause of the soul's bondage in the cycle of birth and death.

Jainism has two major ancient sub-traditions, Digambaras and vetambaras; and several smaller sub-traditions that emerged in the 2nd millennium CE. The Digambaras and vetambaras have different views on ascetic practices, gender and which Jain texts can be considered canonical. Jain mendicants are found in all Jain sub-traditions except Kanji Panth sub-tradition, with laypersons (ravakas) supporting the mendicants' spiritual pursuits with resources.

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