2. Overview
• Began by a man—later called Mahavira
by his disciples—as a protest within
Hinduism in the 6th century BC
• Mahavira was believed to be the last
“Tirthankara” (bridge builder between life
and nirvana)
• Grew unhappy with his life of wealth and
privilege, left his family, tore out his hair
by hand, and joined the ascetics
3. Overview
• The ascetics he found were not severe enough,
so he became more rigorous
– Never stayed more than one night in any one place
– As an adherent of “Ahimsa” (non-injury to life), he stayed
off the road in rainy season to avoid stepping on insects.
During the dry season he swept the road before him for
the same reason
– Strained all water to keep from swallowing insects
– Begged for food, refused to eat raw food, and preferred
what was left over from someone else’s meal
– When dogs were set on him, he allowed himself to be
bitten
– Always went about naked
4. Overview
• After 12 years of this lifestyle, he achieved moksha
• Regarded by his followers as a “Jain” (conqueror)
because he heroically conquered the forces of life. Died
at the age of 72
• “Agamas”, or precepts, (Jain Scriptures) are believed to
be the actual sermons of Mahavira
• By 80 AD there was division over true meaning of
Jainism
– Svetambra (white clad) reject nudity, believe women can find
moksha and allow them into monasteries
– Gigambara (sky clad) conservative, accept nudity (total nudity
reserved for most holy), women cannot achieve moksha and
cannot enter temples or monasteries. Mostly found in
southern India
5. Overview
Basic Philosophical World View
Dualism. All souls are encased in matter. As
long as the soul is so encased, it is in bondage.
The goal is to liberate the soul from matter.
Because the world is a dualism, we must avoid
the flesh. This must be done by the individual,
so gods are of little consequence. Prayer and
worship are useless.
6. Five Vows of Jain Monks
• Non-injury to all life, “Ahimsa” (vegetarian and
avoid leather)
• Always speak the truth (often their search for
truth leads to the view that truth is relative rather
than absolute)
• Take nothing that does not belong to them
• Renounce all sexual pleasures (Mahavira
renounced women altogether)
• Renounce all attachments (true Jains must
renounce their families)
7. Five Vows of Jain Monks
All five vows must be kept by
monks. First three must be kept by
all Jains. A Jain layperson may
marry and have a family,
understanding that this is not the
ideal life, and moksha will not be
experienced this time around.
