A Summation of the Religion of Jainism

The power of religion factors into our everyday existence. Each person has his or her own belief whether for good, for evil, or in faith that belief influences his or her day to day functioning. Nonetheless, though each religion has its own distinct and important belief, religion in itself binds the world together by aiding all in understanding life while also providing motivation and inspiration as well as a sense of purpose. Striving to attain a goal or dream is almost each person’s purpose in life. For some, finding true happiness is the ultimate goal of life. More than twenty-five hundred years ago, an ancient religion originated in eastern India called Jainism that emphasized how one could attain true happiness. Jainism teaches that the way to true liberation and bliss is through living a life of harmlessness and renunciation (BBC citation here). One single person or founder is not recognized in Jainism, instead it is believed that Jainism arose from twenty four great teachers or Tirthankaras. The Tirthankaras are believed as perfect beings who appeared throughout history to preach and embody the faith of the Jains. They are who laid the foundation for Jainism’s doctrine. Though often wrongly referred as the founder of Jainism, a Tirthankaras known as Mahavira (formerly born as Vardhamamana) the last and present Tirthankaras who is regarded as giving Jainism it’s present day form (quote BBC here). . He is the world’s most recent and also the last Tirthankaras of this age. The two major sects of Jainism are the Digambara sect and the Svetambara sect. The two secs agree on the basic principles and the five basic vows of Jainism but disagree on the life of Mahavira, spiritual status of women, rituals and which Jain texts should be accepted as scripture.

Most of Jainism’s sacred texts contain teachings of Mahavira which are known as the Agamas. They are the official literature or scriptures of Svetambara Jainism. Most texts were memorized by Maharivars’s discples. Jain monks and nuns swore of a vow if non-acquision which did not permit them to retain any religious books or texts. They were also not allowed to write. The philosophical differences between the groups mostly affect monks and nuns or the very religious. Jain texts had to be memorized by monks and nuns due to the Jainism principle of non-acquisition. Texts were not allowed to be retained nor were Jain monks and nuns allowed to write. Though Jains don’t regard Mahavira as the founder of their religion, his teachings are still of importance because they “represent a series of beginningless, endless and fixed truths, a tradition without any origin, human or divine, which in this world age has been channeled through Sudjardman, the last of Maharvia’s disciples to survive (Dundas). His teachings embodies the basic Jain philosophy and five basic vows. Dharma known as “the path” or truth was advocated for Jains by Mahavira. Mahavira spent twelve and half years subjecting himself to extremely long periods of fasting, and meditation. His efforts were eventually aiding him in attaining enlightenment and therefore received his name (from the name maha, great and vira hero). From then on, he taught about the path or Dharma he had discovered to other seekers of enrichment. Dharma was based on strict ascethecism, enunciation and moral cultivation. It was cultivated into three jewels known as right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. From these three jewels emerged the basic five vows: “Ahismsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (not stealing), Aparigraha (non-acquistion), and Brahmacarya (chaste living) (“Jainism at a Glance”).” The basis of the Jain doctrine and ethical stance constitutes the belief that the three jewels and all five vows must be cultivated together because none of them can be achieved in the absence of the others. Jains most important belief was that non-injury is the highest religion. In Jainism the primary means to attain freedom requires the active non-harming of living beings, which disperses the karmas that keep one bound (“Jainism at a Glance”). The essence of Jainism is concern for the welfare of every being in the universe and for the health of the universe itself. One must be conscious of his or her actions towards the world. This ties in with the karma theory of Jainism. Jains believe that karma is the cosmic scorecard or scorecard of your life and your actions. It is believed that karma is a physical substance that is everywhere in the universe. Karma particles are attracted to the “jiva” or soul by the actions of the jiva ("Jainism at a Glance "). It works without the intervention of any other beings. No gods, angels or deities play in a role in allotting rewards or consequences as result of karma. Jains also believe karma is the mechanism that determines the quality of life. One’s happiness in being’s life is the result of the moral quality of actions of the being in its previous life. The main principle of karma in Jainism is to that in order to achieve true liberation, one must get rid of all the karma attached to it. Presently, in India, Jainism’s origin country, the religion is steadily decreasing due to problems of laxity in living the Jain values (personal conduct), systematic erosion of interest in Jain Dharma (family conduct), and further divisions in the community due to sectarian and sub sectarian interests (societal conduct) (Siddhanam||). From my research, I believe that it is the lack of role models in India’s present Jainism society that represent the principles of Jainism is the main reason for the decline in India. For the future of Jainism to flourish, Jains must focus on improving their commitment to the path of liberation as an individual, family and community. Nonetheless, this can all be achieved from searching within one’s self and be conscious of one’s actions. Through self-awareness of good and bad karma produced by one’s actions, one is able to protect oneself from karmic retribution by guarding and purifying oneself through the avoidance of no harm. I also accept as true Jainism’s basic principle are compatible with the world views and core values associated with environmental activism. I feel that Jains and environmentalists share a common goal to uphold the protection of life. Though the underlying motive that given Jain faith and those governing environmentalism differ, the principles of Jainism are displayed through many practices of environmentalists. Similarly to Jainism, ecologists and environmentalists approach the natural world with feelings of tenderness, respect and protection. Vegetarian/vegan and eco-friendly life style choices exemplify Jain principle of adhering to nonviolence and purity by deeming to inflict a minimum of harm to all forms of life. Environmental friendly actions such as recycling is an example of one being self-aware of his actions toward the world which relates to the Jain principle of karma that one should be conscious towards nature and all living things in order to purify one’s karma. Every day one’s simple vow to be alert to keeping the environment pollution-free, cleaner, or safer exemplifies the Jainism basic principle of keeping non harm as the uptmost religion. The importance of self-awareness and self-conscious is important in our world today. I believe that if we all continuously seek to understand and be understood for the actions of ourselves as the Jains do, it can help lead to us appreciating the world and its aesthetic.

Similarly, an ancient religion known as Taoism also emphasizes living by the way of nature to achieve longevity or harmony. Taoism also known as Daoism, is one the major religions that originated in China almost 2000 years ago. It has greatly influenced the culture of the Chinese people. Taoism is believed to have grew out of various ancient Chinese religions and philosophies influenced by the divine bureaucracy of the Shang dynasty and Buddhism. Most Taoists regard a mythical figured known as Laozi or Lao Tzu as the founder of Taoism, Laozi who influenced the writings of the sacred text Taode Jing (Tai Te CHing). Taoism was first recognized as a formal religion during the 3rd and 4th centuries of BCE by Zhang Daoling who is considered the founder of the organized Taoist religion. Taoism stresses the importance of living harmoniously with the essence and source of all that exists which is the “Tao.” The term "Tao" in Chinese means, among other things, "way" or "path," and refers to a way to live and behave, and, particularly in this period, it also refers to a way to rule over or lead others (“Library”). Taoism has profound theories that many find difficult to understand. It empathizes various themes centered on human nature, naturalness, vitality, peace, non-interference/non-resistance, refinement, detachment, flexibility, receptiveness, spontaneity, and the ways of life, speaking and hiding behavior, the Tao represents the road or path followed in life, the low of the universe or the force behind the natural order of life that keeps the verse balanced and ordered (“Taoism, Daoism”). Taode Jing (Tao Te Ching) is a key book of Taoism that provides advice on life for the fellow Taoists and poetic descriptions of the nature of the universe. It was not written by one single author, it is said many the book is a compilation of proverbs and sayings from anonymous people of a long period of time. A secondary text called Chuang Zu or Zhuangzi is also considered a key Taoist scripture. Many believe that the Zhuanzi became linked with the Taode Jing as mas the main texts of Taoism during the Han dynasty period. Both texts provide wisdom and guidance about how to the Tao and how to achieve Tao or Nirvana.

The key objective of Taoists is inaction or not applying a will to a matter in order to experience longevity and nirvana. They believe that if one does nothing that evening will fall into place naturally. The Chinese Yin Yang symbol represents the Taoist belief of balance or inaction in the universe. A Taoist’s basic belief is that if you allow things to happen naturally, instead of exerting effort to rearrange the world to meet your desires then you will find ultimately find peace and happiness during your life. Presently, there are over 225 million Taoists worldwide, most live in china, Taiwan, or Southeast Asia, and about 30,000 adults in US identify themselves as Taoist. It is evident that Taoism as a whole has it greatest impact on the people of China, however, people worldwide have and continue to adopt the simplistic lifestyle and relaxed nature of Taoism. For example, martial arts especially the form Tai Chi is a Taoist teaching known all over world for its meditative body movements that are based off the Taoist principle that everything is made of energy called Chi or Qi. Alternative medicine techniques such as Qigong (a Taoist breathing technique) and acupuncture are important Chinese medicine therapies that have been adopted all over the world. Those therapeutic techniques are clinical applications of the Taoist principle of “doing nothing” and allowing one’s mind to strengthen and relax simply through focusing and being calm. From my research, I have learned that Taoism has a strong influence on the way people act, the way they see their environment, and the many things people do for their own wellbeing. It is my belief that Taoism’s implications for modern society is to follow nature and the flow of life. As mentioned before, the primary goal in Taoism is to achieve Tao or the way. The focus is to not worship one god but instead come into harmony with Tao. The most interesting concept about Taoism is the belief that the essence of everything right is Tao itself and that complications only arise in life due to a person’s choice to complicate his or her life through over exertion of effort fueled by desire. In Taoism, the feelings of desire, ambition, selfishness, or fame are seen as hindrances to a harmonious life. To achieve Tao, one must completely ride himself of all desires and concentrate on life of itself. Thus, following the Taoist’s basic principle of letting life happen naturally. The longer your life, the close to Tao one is presumed to have become. I believe that Taoism is mostly a spiritual guide that teaches and advocates oneness with nature and fluidity to flow wherever nature takes you. It teaches one that he should not focus on the uncertainties of the world especially material worries but instead on finding peace within himself, and his surroundings. Taoism can help combat the world’s craving for wealth and material assets which has shown to only impoverish people morally and spiritually. Most of our mental frustrations arise from not understanding that dualities such as fortune and misfortune, happy and sad, success and failure and health and illness all contain each other. Taoism provides the insight that two opposites of a dualist pair are seen as balancing and completing each other instead of opposition. Once, we are able to understand the perception of letting go and letting things happen naturally, we will be able to achieve true contentment.

Similar to Taoism, a religion known as Shinto or Shintoism was derived from an influence of Confucianism, Buddhism and Chinese culture. The earliest origin of The Shinto religious practice is not known but most historians believe that it originated in Japan following the Buddhist lead in the 5th and 6th century. Buddhism and Shinto coexisted at the same time until Shinto ideologies became more of a unique Japanese identity. Shinto is an indigenous or primitive religion of Japan. Unlike most religions, Shintoism is loosely organized with no real founder, scriptures or body of religious law. Instead, its roots lie within the prehistoric religious practices of the Japanese people. The name Shinto in Japanese translates to meaning “way of the gods or way of Kami” (JREF). The kami are Japanese deities that may be thought of as gods, the divinized souls of great people (such as warriors, leaders, scholars or poets), the ancestral deities of clans (also known as “uji”), the spirits of specific places, natural beauty (such as trees, woods, springs, rocks or mountains), and more abstractly, recognized as forces of nature (fertility, growth and production) (Kitagawa and Strong). The kami play an integral role in the Shinto religious practice. The kami represent the sacred in whom lie the “constructive “way” of creation, harmony and uprightness which can be discerned through faith and ritual (Yamamoto). The kami are worshipped at shrines or “jinja” which are established in their honor and “shintai” which are sacred objects in which kami are said to reside. During the ritual of worship, the worshippers will pass under sacred arch or tori which helps demarcate the sacred area of the shrine. The worshipper will then purify himself by washing their hand, rinsing their mouths, approach the shrine itself, make an offering, call on the deity, and a silent prayer (Kitawaga and Strong). The central concept of the Shinto to is central to purity and purification of one’s inner and outer selves. For most Shinto followers, purification of the inner self involves living before the kami in reverence and worship. Living in accordance to the way of the kami in turn influences one’s relationship to himself, others, and the world which leads to harmony and peace. The purification of the outer self involves of observance of various rites which at various stages in a person’s lie and at festival during various times of the year (Hara).

Though Shintoism have no set doctrine of beliefs to follow or abide by, there are customary teachings that have been passed down through generations. Shinto beliefs are sculptured around the principles that underline their entire approach to the world. These beliefs are attributed to four affirmations of the Shinto. They are tradition and family, love of nature, physical cleanliness and Matsuri. The family preserves the traditions of Shinto such as the celebrations relating to birth and marriage. For the Shinto spirit, nature is considered sacred because being in contact with nature is to be close to the kami. Thus, many natural objects are worshipped if the kami is believed to inhabit it or have a presence surrounding the area. Shinto followers pride themselves in being clean by bathing, washing and rinsing their mouths often. Matsuri are festivals in which the kami are worshipped and honored. The other element of belief throughout Shinto is the idea of “Makoto” which means sincerity. The belief in Makoto is the basis of the religion which simply emphasizes the heart and the sincerity within a good heart. Shinto believes that Makoto is the understanding that even with rules, regulations, commandments, and orders consuming other religions. If goodness and sincerity is not in your heart, all of those acts are pointless ("Principal Beliefs"). Shinto does not teach that anything is a sin, but instead that certain deeds create a kind of ritual impurity that one should want cleansed not because the impurity is wrong but for merely one’s own peace of mind and good fortune.

The influence of the Shinto on Japanese culture cannot be overestimated. Presently, the number of Shinto followers in Japan are very few. Less than 3% of the Japanese population practice strict Shinto, but most practice a form of Shintoism in the custom of rituals and offerings. Shintoism differs extremely from the largest religions of the world. While most religions, have a traditional origin, founder, main text or scripture or religious leader, Shintoism does not. The idea of a religion without a formal priesthood or body law is extremely significant. One may conclude that a follower of the Shinto religion is not restricted to specific beliefs. This is a substantial contrast to most religions which have strict guideline for their believers to follow. The absence of traditional scriptures, sacred documented texts and ethical or moral codes leaves moral guidance open for interpretation by the individual. Shintoism in Japan has had a large impact on society’s perceptions, outlooks and sense of belonging. The most striking theme of Shintoism is the great love and reverence for nature in order to be connected and close to the kami. The nature of the Kami allows individuals to connect with their environmental surroundings through aesthetic connectivity. Followers of the Shinto religion are not confined to Shintoism because belief is not a central aspect in Shinto. One does not need to public profess belief in Shinto to be considered a Shinto follower. Ritual is more important than whether one ‘truly believes” in the ritual. Thus, even believing in other religions can be venerated as kami after death. Through the four affirmations that embody the Shinto spirit, a Shintoist is able to gain respect and appreciation for all aspects of creation which drives the Shinto to value conservation through being cleanly and pure. The lack of commandments, or formal religious ideals/instructions in Shintoism allows followers to be accepted throughout society and provides a holistic view on the environment.