Jainism is one of the oldest living religions in the world, emerging as a powerful movement against the ritualistic complexities of the Later Vedic period. It shares the concept of Karma and Rebirth with Buddhism but differs significantly in its emphasis on extreme asceticism and non-violence.
Jainism is not founded by a single person but is revealed through 24 Tirthankaras (Ford-makers).
1st Tirthankara: Rishabhanatha (or Adinatha). His symbol is the Bull.
23rd Tirthankara: Parshvanatha. He was a prince of Banaras. His symbol is the Serpent.
24th Tirthankara: Vardhamana Mahavira. He is considered the real founder of the modern Jain faith.
Birth: 540 BCE (traditional date) in Kundagrama near Vaishali (Bihar). He belonged to the Jnatrika clan.
Renunciation: Left his home at age 30 in search of truth.
Enlightenment: After 12 years of intense penance, he attained Kaivalya (omniscience) under a Sal tree on the banks of the Rijupalika River at age 42.
Titles: He was called Jina (Conqueror), Mahavira (Great Hero), and Nirgrantha (Free from bonds).
Death: Attained Nirvana at age 72 in Pawapuri (near modern Rajgir, Bihar) in 468 BCE.
Jainism is an atheistic philosophy in the sense that it does not believe in a creator God, but believes that every living and non-living object possesses a soul (Jiva).
A. The Five Vows (Pancha Mahavratas)
Ahimsa: Non-violence (The most important pillar).
Satya: Truthfulness.
Asteya: Non-stealing.
Aparigraha: Non-attachment/Non-possession.
Brahmacharya: Chastity (Added by Mahavira; the first four were taught by Parshvanatha).
B. The Three Jewels (Triratna)
Right Faith (Samyak Darshana)
Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana)
Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra)
C. Doctrines of Knowledge
Anekantavada: The theory of plurality of viewpoints (Reality is many-sided).
Syadvada: The theory of "May be" or conditioned predication (All judgments are conditional/relative).
| Feature | Digambara (Sky-clad) | Shvetambara (White-clad) |
|---|---|---|
| Leader | Bhadrabahu | Sthulabhadra |
| Attire | Remain naked; believe in total renunciation | Wear white robes |
| Women | Women cannot attain liberation directly | Women can attain liberation |
| Scriptures | Discard the 12 Angas | Accept the 12 Angas |
| Council | Year | Place | Chairman | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3rd Century BCE | Pataliputra | Sthulabhadra | Compilation of the 12 Angas |
| 2nd | 512 CE | Vallabhi | Devaradhi Kshamasramana | Final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas |
Architecture:
Cave Temples: Udayagiri and Khandagiri (Odisha), Ellora (Maharashtra).
Dilwara Temples: Mount Abu (Rajasthan) – Famous for intricate white marble carvings.
Statues: The Gomateshwara (Bahubali) statue at Shravanabelagola (Karnataka).
Literature: Written primarily in Prakrit (specifically Ardhamagadhi) to make it accessible to common people. Key texts include the 12 Angas, Kalpa Sutra (by Bhadrabahu), and Parishishtaparvan (by Hemachandra).
| Feature | Buddhism | Jainism |
|---|---|---|
| The Middle Path | Follows Madhyam Marg | Extreme asceticism |
| Ahimsa | Practical | Extreme |
| Soul | No permanent soul | Every object has soul |
| Spread | Global | Mostly India |