What is the importance of Jainism?
Jainism has long been respected as the world’s most peace-loving religion because of its strict doctrine of non-violence (ahimsa). Mahatma Gandhi, born a Hindu, was an admirer of Jainism’s teachings and adopted the doctrine of non-violence in his movement for Indian independence.
Why did Jainism survive in India?
The community’s tenacity and survival can be attributed to its intra-community bonding and relative affluence as a result of engagement with trade and commerce as its primary occupation. Members of the Jain community stayed prominent as bankers and financiers in their relations with Muslim rulers of medieval India.
Is Jainism derived from Hinduism?
Hindus think Jainism is simply another branch of Hinduism. Jain historians like Champat Rai Jain, held that Hindus are Jaina allegorists who have allegorised the Jain teachings.
Is Jainism the oldest religion in the world?
In spite of its obscure origin, Jainism is the oldest religion in the world, or truly it is not a religion but more like a way of life. Whereas Jains believe it to be eternal, Jainism is amply thought to have begun in the Indus valley civilization around 3000 B.C.
How do Jains view death?
The most devout Jains may perform santhara or sallekhana — fasting until death. Instead of it being a mournful end, Jain philosophy views death as a welcome gateway to the next birth. Like many of India’s great religions, followers of Jainism believe in reincarnation and karma.
When did Jainism originate?
Scholars of religion generally hold that Jainism originated in the 7th–5th century bce in the Ganges basin of eastern India, the scene of intense religious speculation and activity at that time.
Does Jainism believe in reincarnation?
Jains believe in reincarnation. Their souls, which are believed to be a unique substance in the universe, take different living forms in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Why do Jains celebrate Dussehra?
On Dussehra, when effigies of the demon king are burnt, many Jains honour him by creating rangoli or his image in their houses. Jain scholars said the tradition of honouring Ravana is founded in legends. “Ravana and his wife, Mandodari, were staunch followers of Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankara.
Where is Jainism most popular?
Per the 2011 census, there are 4,451,753 Jains in the 1.21 billion population of India, the majority living in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, however, the influence of Jainism has been far greater on the Indian population than these numbers suggest.