Akaranga Sutra
Knowledge of the weapon
Conquest of the world
Hot and cold
Righteousness
Essence of the world
The Cleaning
Liberation
The Pillow of
righteousness
Begging of food
Begging for a couch
Walking
Modes of speech
Begging of clothes
Begging for a bowl
Regulation of
possession
Seven Lectures - 1
Seven Lectures - 2
Seven Lectures - 3
Seven Lectures - 4
Seven Lectures - 5
Seven Lectures - 6
Seven Lectures - 7
The Clauses
The Liberation
Kalpa Sutra
Life of Mahavira (part 1)
Life of Mahavira (part 2)
Life of Parsva
Life of Arishtanemi
Epochs of
the intermediate Tirthakaras
Life of Rishabha
List of the Sthaviras
Rules for Yatis
Friendly
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Humor
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Holy Akaranga Sutra |
The Akaranga
Sutra, or, as it is sometimes called, the Samayika, is the first
of the eleven Angas. It treats of the akara, or conduct, which
falls under the last of the four heads, or anuyogas, into which
the sacred lore is divided, viz. Dharmakatha, Ganita, Dravya,
and Karanakarana. The Akaranga Sϋtra contains two books, or
Srutaskandhas, very different from each other in style and in
the manner in which the subject is treated. |
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Holy Kalpa Sutra |
The Kalpa sutra
contains a biography of the founder of Jainism, Mahavira, as
well as other founders of the religion, and a list of the
successive Jain leaders. |
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About Jainism |
Religion of India
established in the 6th century BC by Vardhamana, who was called
Mahavira.
Jainism's core belief is ahimsa, or noninjury to all living
things. It was founded as a reaction against the Vedic religion,
which required animal sacrifices. Jainism has no belief in a
creator god, though there are a number of lesser deities for
various aspects of life. Jains believe their religion is eternal
and hold that it was revealed in stages by a number of
Conquerors, of whom Mahavira was the 24th.
Living as an ascetic, Mahavira preached the need for rigorous
penance and self-denial as the means of perfecting human nature,
escaping the cycle of rebirth, and attaining moksha, or
liberation. Jains view karma as an invisible material substance
that interferes with liberation and can only be dissolved
through asceticism.
By the end of the 1st century AD the Jains had split into two
sects, each of which later developed its own canon of sacred
writings: the Digambaras, who held that an adherent should own
nothing, not even clothes, and that women must be reborn as men
before they can attain moksha; and the more moderate Svetambaras.
In keeping with their principle of reverence for life, Jains are
known for their charitable works, including building shelters
for animals. Jainism preaches universal tolerance and does not
seek to make converts.
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Important Persons |
Mahavira
Mahavira or Mahavir (the "Great Hero" -- Also, Vardhamana
(increasing) or Niggantha Nathaputta -- 599 BC-527 BC, though
possibly 549 BC-477 BC) was the 24th, and last, Jainist
Tirthankara.
Mahavira established what are today considered to be the central
tenents of Jainism and was a contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama,
the Buddha.
After he renounced his princehood, he spent the next twelve and
half years in deep silence and meditation and took on the
discipline of conquering his desires, feelings, and attachments.
He carefully avoided harming or annoying other living beings
including animals, birds, and plants. He also went without food
for long periods. His enduring calm and peaceful character
against all unbearable hardships presence the influence of his
title, Mahavir (a Sanskrit word, meaning very brave and
courageous), given to him by his peers.
During this period, Jains believe his that he attained
keval-jnana, or perfect enlightenement, in which spiritual
powers fully become developed and perfect perception, knowledge,
power, and bliss are realized. |
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Jainism Symbol |
The
raised hand means stop. The word in the center of the wheel is
"Ahimsa". Ahimsa means non-violence. Between these two, they
remind us to stop for a minute and think twice before doing
anything. This gives us a chance to scrutinize our activities to
be sure that they will not hurt anyone by our words, thoughts,
or actions. We are also not supposed to ask or encourage others
to take part in any harmful activity.
The wheel in the hand shows that if we are not careful and
ignore these warnings and carry on violent activities, then just
as the wheel goes round and round, we will go round and round
through the cycles of birth and death.
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