Jainism:- Jainism is one of the oldest religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent.

Jains
believe that every soul is divine and has the potential to achieve God-consciousness. Any soul which
has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state of supreme being is called jina (Conquerer
or Victor). Jainism is the path to achieve this state. Jainism is often referred to as Jain Dharma or
Shraman Dharma (जैन धमम) or the religion of Nirgantha by ancient texts.

Contents 1 Principles & Beliefs 1.1 Main points

1.2 Tirthankaras 1.3 Doctrines 1.4 Creation and cosmology

1.5 Jain monks and nuns (Sadhu or Muni Maharaj)

1.7 Jain philosophy 1.8 Karma theory 1.9 Customs and practices

1.10 Jain fasting 1.11 Jain worship and rituals

Principles & Beliefs Jainism encourages spiritual development through reliance on and
cultivating one's own personal wisdom and self-control (वरत, vrata).[15] The goal is realization of the
soul's true nature. "Samyak darshan gyan charitrani moksha margah" is at the root of Jainism (triple
gems of Jainism). It means: "true/right perception, knowledge and conduct" provide the path for
attaining liberation (moksha) from the samsara (the universal cycles of births and deaths). Moksha is
attained by getting liberated from all karma. Those who have attained moksha are called siddha
(liberated souls) and those who are attached to the world through their karma are called samsarin
(mundane souls). Every mundane soul has to follow the path as described by the Jinas (Tirthankaras) to
attain moksha.

For the monks, Brahmacarya, celibacy, is the complete abstinence from sex. However, for the
householders, practicing the principle of monogamy is a way to uphold brahmacarya in spirit.[19] For the
monks, Aparigraha, non-possesion, is where one renunciates not only his property and wealth before
initiated into monkhood, but also not to entertain thoughts of the things that are renounced. This is done
so that one understands how to detach themselves from things and possessions including their home and
family so that they can reach their goal of life - moksa.[20] However, for householders, it is about owning
the object without excessive attachment. The idea of possession is an illusion. The reality of life is that
change is constant including the objects owned by someone today is the property of someone else
another day. The householder

therefore is encouraged to discharge his or her duties on related people and objects as a trustee without
excessive attachment.

Tirthankaras:- Like other Indian religions, knowledge of the truth (dharma) is considered
to have declined and then revived cyclically over the course of history. Those who rediscover dharma
are called Tirthankara. The literal meaning of Tirthankar is 'ford-builder', or gods. Jains, like Buddhists,
compare the process of becoming a pure human being to crossing a swift river - an endeavour requiring
patience and care. A ford-builder is someone who has themselves already crossed the river and can
therefore guide others. S/he is called a 'victor' (Skt: Jina) because she or he has achieved liberation by
their own efforts. Like Buddhism, the purpose of Jain dharma is mental and physical purification to
undo the negative effects of karma. The goal of this process is liberation accompanied by a great natural
inner peace.
 Doctrines:- Jains believe that every human is responsible for his/her actions and all living
beings have an eternal soul, jīva. Jains believe all souls are equal because they all possess the potential
of being liberated and attaining moksha. Tirthankaras are role models only because they have attained
moksha. Jains insist that we live, think and act respectfully and honor the spiritual nature of all life.
Jains view God as the unchanging traits of the pure soul of each living being, described as Infinite
Knowledge, Perception, Consciousness, and Happiness (Ananta Jnāna, Ananta Darshana, Ananta
Cāritra and Ananta Sukha). Jains do not believe in an omnipotent supreme being, creator or manager
(kartā), but rather in an eternal universe governed by natural laws.Jain monks and nuns (Sadhu or Muni

Maharaj)Main article: Jain Monks and Nuns

Palitana Tirtha In India there are thousands of Jain Monks, in categories like Acharya, Upadhyaya and
Muni. Trainee ascetics are known as Ailaka and Ksullaka in the Digambar tradition. There are two
categories of ascetics, Sadhu (monk) and Sadhvi (nun). They practice the five Mahavratas, three Guptis
and five Samitis:

Five Mahavratas Ahimsa: Non-violence in thought, word and deed

Satya: Truth which is (hita) beneficial, (mita) succinct and (priya) pleasing

Acaurya: Not accepting anything that has not been given to them by the owner
Brahmacarya: Absolute purity of mind and body Aparigraha: Non-attachment to non-self objects
Three Guptis Managupti: Control of the mind Vacanagupti: Control of speech Kayagupti: Control of
body Five Samitis Irya Samiti: Carefulness while walking

Bhasha Samiti: Carefulness while communicating Eshana Samiti: Carefulness while eating Adana
Nikshepana Samiti: Carefulness while handling their fly-whisks, water gourds, etc. Pratishthapana
Samiti: Carefulness while disposing of bodily waste matter

Male Digambara monks do not wear any clothes and are nude. They practise non-attachment to the
body and hence, wear no clothes. Shvetambara monks and nuns wear white clothes. Shvetambaras
believe that monks and nuns may wear simple un-stitched white clothes as long as they are not attached
to them. Jain monks and nuns travel on foot. They do not use mechanical transport. Digambar followers
take up to eleven Pratimaye (oath). Monks take all eleven oaths. They eat only once a day. The Male
Digambar monk (Maharajji) eat standing at one place in their palms without using any utensil. Jains
believe that every human is responsible for his/her actions and all living beings have an eternal soul,
jīva. Jains believe all souls are equal because they all possess the potential of being liberated and
attaining moksha. Tirthankaras are role models only because they have attained moksha. Jains insist
that we live, think and act respectfully and honor the spiritual nature of all life. Jains view God as the
unchanging traits of the pure soul of each living being, described as Infinite Knowledge, Perception,
Consciousness, and Happiness (Ananta Jnāna, Ananta Darshana, Ananta Cāritra and Ananta Sukha).
Jains do not believe in an omnipotent supreme being, creator or manager (kartā), but rather in an eternal
universe governed by natural laws.