JAINISM

PRERNA FOR IAS

JAINISM

1. Jain Philosophy and Principles

Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India, founded on the principles of non-violence, self-discipline, and spiritual purity. It teaches that ignorance and attachment bind the soul to the cycle of birth and death. According to Jain philosophy, every living being possesses a soul and deserves equal respect. Liberation (Moksha) is achieved through the Three Jewels (Triratna)—Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. Jainism rejects the idea of a creator God and emphasizes personal effort, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession. Its teachings promote compassion, self-control, and peaceful coexistence with all forms of life.

2. Major Sects of Jainism

Jainism is mainly divided into two sects: Digambara and Shvetambara. The Digambara sect believes that complete renunciation requires monks to remain unclothed, symbolizing freedom from material attachment. It also believes women must be reborn as men before attaining liberation. The Shvetambara sect allows monks to wear white clothes and accepts that women can also achieve Moksha. Both sects follow the teachings of Lord Mahavira and share common beliefs such as non-violence, karma, and liberation, but they differ in rituals, scriptures, monastic practices, and interpretations of certain religious traditions developed over centuries.

3. Jain Councils

Jain Councils were organized to preserve and compile the teachings of Lord Mahavira after his death. The First Jain Council was held around 300 BCE at Pataliputra under the leadership of Sthulabhadra, where Jain scriptures were collected and arranged. The Second Jain Council took place at Valabhi in Gujarat during the 6th century CE, led by Devardhigani Kshamashramana. During this council, the Jain scriptures were finally written down and systematically compiled. These councils played an important role in preserving Jain philosophy, maintaining religious unity, and ensuring that Mahavira’s teachings were accurately passed to future generations.

4. Jain Literature

Jain literature is one of India's richest religious and philosophical traditions. The Shvetambara canon consists of the Agamas, including 12 Angas and 12 Upangas, which contain the teachings of Mahavira, ethical principles, philosophy, and monastic discipline. Other important works include the Kalpa Sutra, which describes the lives of the Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira, and the Dashavaikalika Sutra, which outlines rules for monks. Jain literature was written in Prakrit, Ardhamagadhi, Sanskrit, and later regional languages. These texts preserve Jain history, religious beliefs, ethics, logic, and cultural traditions for future generations.

5. Jain Architecture and Art

Jain architecture is renowned for its artistic excellence, detailed carvings, and spiritual symbolism. Famous Jain monuments include the Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu, known for their exquisite marble carvings, and the Ranakpur Jain Temple in Rajasthan, celebrated for its beautifully carved pillars. The Gommateshwara (Bahubali) Statue at Shravanabelagola in Karnataka is one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world and symbolizes renunciation and peace. Other significant sites include the Ellora Jain Caves and Khandagiri-Udayagiri Caves. Jain architecture reflects devotion, simplicity, craftsmanship, and the religion’s emphasis on spiritual purity and non-violence.

6. Division of Jainism: Digambara vs Shvetambara

The division of Jainism into Digambara and Shvetambara occurred around the 3rd century BCE, mainly due to differences in monastic practices following a severe famine in Magadha. Digambara monks remain unclothed, reject most possessions, and believe the original scriptures were lost. Shvetambara monks wear white robes, preserve written scriptures, and accept that women can attain liberation. Digambaras believe Mahavira never married, whereas Shvetambaras state that he had a family before renouncing worldly life. Despite these differences, both sects follow the core teachings of Mahavira, emphasizing non-violence, truth, self-discipline, karma, and liberation through righteous living.