Introduction
Main Features of Jainism Jain means followers of JINA. Jina literally means a conqueror that is one who has conquered the worldly passions like desire, hatred, anger, greed, pride, by one's own efforts and has liberated himself from the cycle of birth and death and from the wants of worldly existence. Antiquity Jainism is one of the oldest religions of the world. It is definitely older than Buddhism which is 2500 years old, Christianity 2010 years, Islam 1450 years, Sikhism-700 years old. The last Teerthankar of Jains Lord Mahavira (599-527 BC) is 2600 years and Lord Parshvanatha (877-777 BC) were historical personalities. Thus antiquity of Jainism is accepted and universally recognized today beyond doubt. Jains believe that Jainism is eternal. Lord Rishabhnatha the first Terrthankara of the Jains, in the prehistoric times is the founder of Jainism. Life of Lord Mahavira Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Teerthankar, was born on the 13th day of Chaitra (Hindi month) corresponding to March 30th 599 BC in Bihar. Mahavir's parents, King Siddhartha and Queen Trishla, gave their son the name Vardhman, for he brought fame and prosperity to the family. At the age of thirty, Mahavira gave away all his possessions in charity, renounced the world, left home and took the vows of asceticism. For the next twelve years he devoted himself to self-discipline and self-purification, practicing severe penance and austerities. For the next thirty years Mahavira traveled on foot from place to place giving his message of peace, good will and nonviolence to all who would listen. Mahavira was not founder of a new religion, but a reviver, a reformer, a great thinker and a teacher who left a legacy of great cultural heritage and metaphysical thought, and a way of living. This great apostle of Ahimsa attained Nirvana (salvation) in 527 BC in Bihar. Teachings of Jainism There are five fundamental teachings of Jainism which are deeply rooted in the living ethos in entire unbroken continuity across the country. They offer the world today a time trusted anchor or normal imperatives and a viable route plan for humanities pilgrimage for holistic environmental protection, peace, harmony, in the universe. For the next thirty years Mahavira traveled on foot from place to place giving his message of peace, good will and nonviolence to all who would listen. Mahavira was not founder of a new religion, but a reviver, a reformer, a great thinker and a teacher who left a legacy of great cultural heritage and metaphysical thought, and a way of living. This great apostle of Ahimsa attained Nirvana (salvation) in 527 BC in Bihar. Teachings of Jainism There are five fundamental teachings of Jainism which are deeply rooted in the living ethos in entire unbroken continuity across the country. They offer the world today a time trusted anchor or normal imperatives and a viable route plan for humanities pilgrimage for holistic environmental protection, peace, harmony, in the universe.
1. Ahimsa
2. Interdependence
3. Anekantvad
4. Aprigraha
5. Ivadaya and equanimity
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