What is the most important belief in Jainism?

Jainism teaches that the path to enlightenment is through nonviolence and reducing harm to living things (including plants and animals) as much as possible. Like Hindus and Buddhists, Jains believe in reincarnation. This cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is determined by one’s karma.

Why and how do the Jains care for small creatures?

Jains avoid walking in mud so as not to accidentally harm living beings who inhabit the soil or may be in the mud such as frogs, worms and insects. This is the reason that Monks and nuns do not travel during the monsoon season. Some wear a face mask to avoid inhaling minute creatures.

What is the purpose of life according to Jainism?

The true insight in Jain philosophy is considered as “faith in the tattvas”. The spiritual goal in Jainism is to reach moksha for ascetics, but for most Jain laypersons it is to accumulate good karma that leads to better rebirth and a step closer to liberation.

What makes Jainism unique?

The distinguishing features of Jain philosophy are its belief in the independent existence of soul and matter; the denial of a creative and omnipotent God, combined with a belief in an eternal universe; and a strong emphasis on non-violence, morality, and ethics.

What are the four main teachings of Jainism?

The four main teachings of Jainism are non-attachment, non-violence, self-discipline and accepting that the truth has many aspects and sides.

Why do Jains believe in nonviolence?

According to Jainism every act by which a person directly or indirectly supports killing or injury is violence (himsa), which creates harmful karma. The aim of ahimsa is to prevent the accumulation of such karma. Jains believe that all animals, plants, and human beings contain living souls.

What is ahimsa in Jainism Why is it important to Jains?

Jains believe that the only way to save one’s own soul is to protect every other soul, and so the most central Jain teaching, and the heart of Jain ethics, is that of ahimsa (non-violence). Some Jains have criticised this as being a subtle form of violence. …

What were the main teachings of Jainism?

The three guiding principles of Jainism, the ‘three jewels’, are right belief, right knowledge and right conduct. The supreme principle of Jain living is non violence (ahimsa).

How did the principles of Jainism influence Indian way of life?

Jainism went a long way in creating a healthy society. Mahavir preached against the caste system. With the end of caste system in society the grip of the higher caste over the lower cast ended. This gave rise to a healthy society which influenced the course of Indian history.

What are the four main principles of Jainism?

Principles of Jainism

• Ahimsa (non-violence)
• Satya (Not lying)
• Asteya (Not stealing)
• Bramhacharya (Chastity)
• Aparigraha (Non attachment)