The religious practices of Jains are heavily influenced by two interdependent factors - specific Jain convictions and the Hindu social milieu. Some of the popular practices under Jainism include Sallekhana and Pratikraman. Jains are all members of the four-fold congregation (samgha), which consists of monks and nuns, laymen, and laywomen. They all believe in the triratna (the three jewels) - samyagdarsana (right faith),samyakgyan (right knowledge) ,and samyakcharitra (right conduct). Observance of the "three jewels" creates the conditions for achieving the goal of liberation from bondage. Only the nirgrantha, the Jain monk free of both external and internal bonds, can achieve deliverance. Thus, ideal practices are in effect in the religious communities. In this article, we will discuss some popular practices prevalent under Jainism which will be helpful for UPSC IAS exams.

What is Jainism?

• Jainism is one of the religions whose origins can be traced back to the twenty-four teachers (Tirthankaras - those who establish a path) who are said to have passed down their faith.
• The term 'jaina' is derived from the term 'jina,' and the term 'jina' is the common name for supreme souls who are completely free of all attachment, aversion, and so on.
• Conqueror is the etymological meaning of the word 'jina.'
• It is the common name for the twenty-four teachers (tirthankaras) who have conquered all passions (raga and dvesa) and attained liberation.
• In essence, Jainism is the religion of heroic souls known as jinas, or self-conquerors.
• Jina devotees are known as 'jaina,' and the religion founded by jina is known as the 'Jaina Religion.'
• Jainism has made a significant contribution to Indian culture, spirituality, and philosophy. It is more of a praxis religion than a faith religion.
• Jainism is a sramanic faith. The term "Sramana" refers to an ascetic or a monk.
• Asceticism and mysticism, meditation and contemplation, silence and solitude, and the practice of virtues such as nonviolence, renunciation, celibacy, self-control, and so on are thus distinguishing features of this tradition.

Popular Practices under Jainism

Sallekhana

• It is a religious practise of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing food and liquid intake.
• Jain scholars do not consider it suicide because it is not an act of passion, nor does it involve the use of poisons or weapons.
• It can be performed by both Jain ascetics and ordinary people.
• Accepting to perform Sallekhana is a very special vow.
• The principle behind this vow is that a person who gives up this body with complete peace of mind, calmness, and patience, without any fear at all, not only prevents the influx of new karmas but also purges the old karmas that are attached to the soul.
• Sallekhana is also known as Samnyas-marana or Samadhi-marana.
• The Rajasthan High Court outlawed the practise in 2015, calling it suicide.
• Later that year, the Supreme Court of India stayed the Rajasthan High Court's decision and lifted the ban on Sallekhana.

Pratikraman

• Pratikraman is a combination of two words: Pra, which means "return," and atikraman, which means "violation."
• It literally means "return from the violations."
• It is a process in which Jains repent for their sins committed during the course of their daily lives and remind themselves not to repeat them.
• Devasi, Raisi, Pakshik, Chaumasi, and Samvatsari are the five types of Pratikaman.
• Pratikraman is typically performed twice a day: once in the morning, Raisi (morning) Pratikraman, to repent for anything we may have done during the night, and once in the late evening, Devasi (evening) Pratikraman, to repent for anything we may have done during the day.
• Pakshik (fortnightly) Pratikraman is done once every fifteen days.
• Chaumasi (quarterly) Pratikraman is done every four months.
• Samvatsari (yearly) Pratikraman, is done once a year which is considered a must for every Jain.

Other Practices

• The monks and nuns pledge to refrain from endangering life and consuming food and drink at night (which may cause injury to insects that go unnoticed in the darkness).
• The Jains have a strict rule that no intoxicating drug or drink may be touched; no bhang, opium, alcohol, or other substances are permitted to be consumed.
• They are strict vegetarians. Honey and butter are also listed as forbidden foods, because bees' lives are frequently sacrificed in the process of obtaining honey.
• In terms of daily life for laymen, Jain rules state that he must rise very early in the morning and then repeat silently his mantras, counting their repetition in his fingers.
• Then he must say to himself, what I am, who is my Ishtadevata and who is my Gurudeva, what is my religion, what should I do, what should I not do?

Origin of Jainism

• As per religious scholars, the origin of Jainism is believed to take place in the Ganges region of eastern India during the 7th–5th centuries BCE, which was a hotbed of religious speculation and activity at the time.
• Jainism, or the Jain Dharma, is a religion that originated on the Indian subcontinent and is one of the world's oldest religions.
• Jainism has prehistoric origins dating back before 3000 BC, before the emergence of Indo-Aryan culture.
• Jainism is derived from the Sanskrit term ji, which means "to conquer."
• It refers to the ascetic battle that Jain renunciants (monks and nuns) are said to wage against their passions and corporeal senses in order to achieve enlightenment, or omniscience and soul purity.
• Vardhamana, the 24th and final Tirthankara of that era, was known as Mahavira and is thought to be the last teacher of "correct" knowledge, faith, and practice.
• Although Mahavira is typically dated to 599–527 BCE, he must be considered a close contemporary of the Buddha (who is traditionally dated to 563–483 BCE but lived roughly a century later).
• The Jain scriptures' mythical descriptions of Mahavira's life serve as the foundation for his biography and allow certain inferences to be drawn about the nature of the early community he formed.
• Rishabhanath or Rishabhdev is thought to be the first Tirthankara.
• Parshvanatha, the 23rd Tirthankara, was born in Varanasi. He lived in the eighth or seventh centuries BC.
• By birth, all of the Tirthankaras were Kshatriyas.

Conclusion

These practises are obviously relevant in a doctrine that emphasizes individual effort and regards the jinas as inaccessible, liberated souls. All of these practises are thought to lead the soul to its own "perfection" (siddhi), acting as vehicles for crossing the stream of innumerable rebirths.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary goal of Jainism?

A) To achieve social equality

B) To accumulate wealth and power

C) To attain liberation (Moksha) through purification of the soul

D) To engage in political activities

2. Which principle of Jainism is the foundation of its ethical code?

A) Ahimsa (non-violence)

B) Dharma (righteousness)

C) Karma (action)

D) Moksha (liberation)

3. Which Jain festival is celebrated with fasting and introspection?

A) Mahavir Jayanti

B) Paryushana

C) Diwali

D) Makar Sankranti

4. What is the role of monks and nuns in Jainism?

A) To govern the community

B) To spread Jain teachings and guide spiritual practices

C) To engage in business activities

D) To participate in politics

5. Which of the following is NOT a practice of Jainism?

A) Ahimsa (non-violence)

B) Fasting and self-discipline

C) Animal sacrifices

D) Non-attachment to material possessions

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the core philosophical principles of Jainism and their influence on Indian culture.

Answer: Jainism, a religion that originated in ancient India, is based on the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and Satya (truth). The core philosophy of Jainism emphasizes self-discipline, meditation, and ethical conduct to achieve spiritual purity and liberation (Moksha). Jainism’s influence on Indian culture is profound, particularly in the realms of ethics and art. The practice of Ahimsa led to the establishment of vegetarianism and non-violent principles in Indian society. Jain culture has also contributed to the rich tradition of architecture, with grand temples and exquisite art forms, most notably the Dilwara Temples in Rajasthan. Jain teachings on non-attachment and environmental stewardship continue to resonate in contemporary discussions on sustainability and animal rights.

Q2: Analyze the significance of fasting and ascetic practices in Jainism and their impact on its followers.

Answer: Fasting and ascetic practices are integral to Jainism, aimed at purifying the soul and shedding accumulated karma. Jain monks and nuns practice rigorous asceticism, including long periods of fasting, to achieve spiritual advancement. Lay followers may also observe fasting during important festivals like Paryushana. The practice of fasting is not merely an abstention from food but a means to gain control over one's desires, thoughts, and actions, thus advancing towards liberation. These practices instill in Jains a deep sense of self-discipline, detachment from materialism, and mindfulness, which contribute to their spiritual growth and the ethical foundation of Jain society.

Q3: Explain the role of Jainism in promoting environmental awareness and non-violence in contemporary society.

Answer: Jainism’s commitment to non-violence (Ahimsa) extends beyond human interactions to include animals and the environment. Jains believe that all living beings, no matter how small, have a soul and deserve to be treated with respect and compassion. This principle has led Jains to practice vegetarianism and promote animal welfare. In contemporary society, Jainism’s emphasis on non-violence has found relevance in discussions on environmental sustainability, where the protection of all life forms and the reduction of environmental harm are key concerns. The principles of Jainism encourage a lifestyle of minimal harm to nature, making it an important philosophy in the fight against climate change and ecological degradation.

Previous Year Questions on Jainism

1. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Examine the role of Jainism in shaping the cultural and religious landscape of India.

Answer: Jainism played a crucial role in shaping India’s cultural and religious fabric. The religion’s principles of Ahimsa (non-violence), non-attachment, and truth have permeated Indian society, influencing ethical norms and practices. Jainism's contributions to Indian art, architecture, and philosophy are significant, with Jain temples and literature enriching India’s cultural heritage. The religion's emphasis on compassion and environmental care resonates with contemporary global concerns about animal rights and sustainability.

2. UPSC CSE 2018

Question: Discuss the key practices of Jainism and their impact on Indian society.

Answer: The key practices of Jainism, including Ahimsa, fasting, meditation, and non-attachment, have significantly impacted Indian society. These practices have shaped social customs, promoting vegetarianism and respect for all living beings. Jainism’s emphasis on self-discipline has influenced Indian spiritual traditions, encouraging mindfulness and ethical living. Furthermore, the religion's art and architecture, exemplified by the grand Jain temples, continue to be a part of India’s cultural heritage.