#7: Jainism Lecture
In which country does Jainism have its origins?
Jainism is an ancient religion beginning in India around the 7th-5th century BCE
The name Jainism derives from the Sanskrit verb ji, meaning “to conquer.”
What does ascetic mean?
characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.
Which countries did Jain followers expand to?
Jain adherents lived almost exclusively in India until the 20th century when followers moved to places like the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. This move made Jainism a more worldwide religion. There are upwards of 4 million Jains in India and around 25 000 in the United Kingdom.
What is a tirthankara?
Teachers. Tirthankara are not gods. They are ordinary humans who have made their souls pure through intense spiritual practice.
Who is Mahavira?
The most famous teacher was Mahavira, which means Great Hero. He is believed to have given Jainism its present form as a religion and is sometimes called The Father of Jainism, although the ideas existed before him.
What does schism mean?
a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief.
Do Jains have a creator?
The Jain world is eternal and uncreated. This means there is not an original God or creator that is responsible for the world.
Name the 3 types of violence Jains avoid.
Physical violence, mental violence and verbal violence.
Both monks and common followers are strict vegetarians.
What is a swastika?
The swastika is a Jain symbol. The word swastika came from the Sanskrit wordsvastika, meaning any lucky or auspicious object, and in particular a mark made on persons and things to denote luck or well-being. It is composed of su- meaning "good, well" and asti "to be". Suasti thus means "well-being." The suffix -ka, meaning "soul",suastika might thus be translated literally as "that which is associated with well-being," corresponding to "lucky charm"
