The Tenets of Jainism are far older than Buddhism. The term 'Tirthankara' is used in Jainism to refer to a group of 24 enlightened spiritual masters who are said to have attained full knowledge via austerity. Mahavira is regarded by Jainas as the 24th Tirthankara in a long line of spiritual teachers, rather than the founder of their faith. This article will explain to you the concepts related to Tenets of Jainism which will be helpful in Indian Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Tenets of Jainism

• Mahavira was a denier of Vedic concepts.
• He didn't believe in the existence of God. The universe, he claims, is the result of the natural phenomenon of cause and effect.
• He believed in Karma and soul transmigration. The physical body dies, but the soul lives on.
• According to one's karma, one will be punished or rewarded.
• He advocated for a life of poverty and nonviolence.
• In contrast to Buddhism, it emphasized equality but did not condemn the caste structure. A man's deeds, not his birth, determine whether he is 'good' or 'evil.'
• Asceticism was brought to its logical conclusion. Hunger, nudity, and self-mortification were all discussed.
• In Jainism, which is essentially atheistic, the concept of God is irrelevant.
• The Varna system had become rigid, and the lower castes were living in misery. They were given an honorable place in Jainism.
• Jiva (conscious) and Atma (unconscious) are two world elements:
  • Right faith
  • Right knowledge
  • Right conduct (observance of five vows)
    • Ahimsa (non-violence)
    • Satya (truth)
    • Asteya (no stealing)
    • Aparigraha (no acquiring property)
    • Brahmacharya (abstinence)

Observance of Five Vows

• Ahimsa - The supreme religion is nonviolence. Nonviolence is the cornerstone of Jainism; no living being, including animals, plants, and insects, has the right to damage, harm, or kill another living being.
• Satya - In Jainism, lying has no place; one should always speak the truth, and only those who have defeated greed, fear, jealousy, rage, ego, and frivolity are capable of doing so.
• Asteya - Jainism opposes the theft of property through unethical or immoral means. Even while taking assistance, aid, or alms, one should not accept more than is necessary.
• Aparigraha - All attachments to objects that satisfy any of the five senses should be abandoned by anyone seeking spiritual emancipation. "Wishes and desires have no end," Mahavira stated, "and only the sky is their limit."
• Brahmacharya - Celibacy is the complete abstention from sensual pleasures. In Jainism, even the concept of sensuous pleasure is forbidden.

Doctrines of Jainism

• Mahavira emphasized that man's ultimate objective is to be free of earthly ties in order to achieve Moksha or salvation. It can be attained by following the Three Jewels or Triratnas.
  • Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge) - to strive for knowledge in order to dispel the darkness of ignorance. Only by following the Tirthankaras' teachings may one gain knowledge.
  • Samyak Darshan (Right Faith) - entails belief in the Tirthankaras and a commitment to truth.
  • Samyak Charitra (Right Action or Conduct) - To do good deeds
• The Vedas and Vedic ceremonies had no authority for Mahavira. He preached a life of austerity and simplicity, with the ultimate goal of attaining Kaivalya (nirvana or moksha).
• He was not opposed to the caste system's premise, albeit he did not agree with the limits on food and drink.
• The concept of God is irrelevant in Jainism, which is essentially atheistic. It does, however, accept a number of Tirthankaras who are revered in society.
• The concept of the apotheosis of the human personality is central to Jainism. That every man has the potential to be just as amazing as they are.
• Mahavira was a believer in Karma and soul transmigration (atma). In subsequent incarnations, man is punished or rewarded based on his karma, whether in this or past births.
• The soul generates its own present and future as a result of its Karmas, whether good or evil. The body is mortal, but the soul is eternal.
• Jains place a high value on equality. Although Mahavira acknowledged the caste system, he stated that a person's karma, not his birth, determines whether he is good or bad.
• The universe, according to Jainism, operates according to universal law, traveling through a succession of cosmic waves of advancement and decline. Life's wheel spins in its own direction, completing a full circle.
• Every Jaina was required to take the Pancha Mahavratas, or five great vows.
• In Jainism, devotees (Siddhas) are divided into five groups, which are listed in ascending order.
  • Tirthankara – one who has gained salvation;
  • Arhat – one who is on the verge of achieving nirvana;
  • Acharya – the head of the ascetic group;
  • Upadhyaya – a teacher or saint;
  • Sadhu – the rest of the class.

Conclusion

Jainism is one of the three oldest Indian religious traditions still in existence, alongside Hinduism and Buddhism, and is an important aspect of South Asian religious belief and practice. While the Jain tradition frequently employs notions shared with Hinduism and Buddhism as a result of a shared cultural and linguistic basis, it must be viewed as a separate phenomenon.

FAQs

Question: What are the core principles of Jainism?

Question: What is Ahimsa in Jainism?

Question: How does Jainism view karma?

Question: What is the significance of Aparigraha?

Question: Who is considered the founder of Jainism?

MCQs 

1. Which of the following is a core tenet of Jainism?

A) Non-violence (Ahimsa)

B) Ritual sacrifice

C) Hedonistic living

D) None of the above

2. Who was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism?

A) Parshvanatha

B) Mahavira

C) Gautama Buddha

D) Rishabhanatha

3. Aparigraha in Jainism promotes:

A) Accumulation of wealth

B) Non-attachment and minimalism

C) Warfare

D) Ritualistic animal sacrifices

4. According to Jainism, karma:

A) Is a fictional concept

B) Influences the soul's cycle of birth and rebirth

C) Has no impact on spiritual progress

D) Is unchangeable

5. The practice of Satya in Jainism requires adherence to:

A) Non-violence

B) Truthfulness

C) Wealth accumulation

D) Physical fitness

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the significance of Ahimsa in Jain philosophy and its influence on Indian society.

Answer: Ahimsa, or non-violence, is the cornerstone of Jain philosophy, advocating compassion and non-harm towards all living beings. Its influence extends beyond religious practice to ethical conduct, promoting vegetarianism, environmental conservation, and peaceful coexistence. Ahimsa shaped key movements, including Gandhian non-violence during India's independence struggle, reflecting its enduring impact on social and political life.

Q2: How does the concept of Aparigraha promote ethical living in Jainism?

Answer: Aparigraha, or non-attachment, encourages Jains to limit their possessions and desires, fostering self-discipline and contentment. This principle reduces greed, cultivates compassion, and promotes ethical living by detaching from material pursuits. Practicing Aparigraha aligns with spiritual goals, helping individuals focus on inner growth and community welfare.

Q3: Explain the Jain perspective on karma and its role in achieving liberation (moksha).

Answer: Jainism views karma as a binding substance that attaches to the soul due to actions, influencing the cycle of birth and rebirth. Liberation (moksha) is achieved by purging accumulated karma through ethical conduct, self-discipline, meditation, and ascetic practices. By eliminating karma, the soul attains its purest form, free from worldly attachments and suffering.

Previous Year Questions on Jainism

1. UPSC CSE 2018

Question: Analyze the role of Mahavira in shaping the teachings of Jainism.

Answer: Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, played a transformative role in shaping Jainism by formalizing its core teachings, emphasizing the principles of Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha. He established ethical codes for ascetics and householders, promoting non-violence and spiritual discipline. Mahavira’s teachings continue to influence Jain practices, social norms, and India's spiritual traditions.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Discuss the significance of the Chaturyama Dharma (Fourfold Path) in Jain ethics.

Answer: The Chaturyama Dharma, consisting of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), and Brahmacharya (celibacy), forms the ethical foundation of Jainism. It guides adherents toward spiritual purity and liberation by emphasizing ethical conduct, non-attachment, and moral discipline. These principles promote harmony, self-control, and compassion, contributing to Jainism’s holistic approach to spiritual growth and ethical living.