Jainism's Human Nature

In Jainism, one's soul is eternal with infinate power and knowledge.  It thus has the power to be devine. By depleting all karma, one is able to achieve this devinity.  Although Jains believe that every creature has a soul, only human souls are able to reach this liberation.

Symbols of Jainism

No they aren't Nazi's. The symbol was used by Jains before WWII and Nazi's used it to seem peaceful. The arms of this symbol reprosente Gati(Destiny), Narak(Demon), Triyanch(Animal), Dev(Angel), and Munashauy(Human).

Relation with God

Jains do not acknowledge the existence of God, but they do recongnize higher beings known as "arhats." These gods to not take interest in what is going on in the world.  Jainism followers worship arhats because by worshiping them, good karma is gained.  The gods watch what is going on in the world, and respond to requests and prayers made by Jains.  The arhats are certain souls who have reached a high state of existence through good deeds.

Jains place of worship

The place of worship for Jainism is called the "Deresar." They are usually built of marble.  There are two types of Dehresars: the Shikar-bandhi deresar and the Ghar derasar.  The term "Shikar-bandhi" means "one with the dome" and a Ghar deresar means "home temple without a dome."  A deresar of 100 years old, is referred to as tirtha.  Some deresars have rules such as: wear clean clothes to worship, no eating, and do not not enter if hurt.

The Branches and Sects

There are two main branches of Jainism: Digambara and Svetambara. The definition of Digambara is "one who is naked" or "one who has the sky as his clothes."  Men are the only ones allowed to become Digambara monks .  In this sect, it is recognized that you can not realize a higher power if you have anthing in your name.  Therefore, they do not have any material items.  They keep a peacock feather to sweep the ground so that they do not step on any organisms. The Svetambara sect, on the other hand, is far simpler.  The word "Svetambara" means "clad in white."  Men and women both are allowed to join this sect, and often dress in white. It is also common for them to wear a mask over their mouth and nose, as to not breathe in any organisms in the air.  Both sects follow the Mahavira teachings

Title of their Leaders

The religious leaders of Jainism are called the 'Gandharas'.  This name is what Lord Mahavir's (the main sacred person) eleven desciples were referred to as.  Therefore, any peorson who spreads the word of Jainism is thus called a Gandhara.

Responsibilites of Jains

•    Follow the five vows
•    Eating injurious foods
•    Don’t eat, drink, or travel before sunset
•    Always Rise before Sunrise

The Jains "Ten Comandments"

▪    (1) Non-injury (ahimsa)
▪    (2) Non-lying (satya)
▪    (3) Non-stealing (asteya)
▪    (4) Non-possession (aparigrah)
▪    (5) Chastity (brahmcharya)

The Most Significant Regions

• India
•   A lot of ancient and modern Jain temples can be found throughout India

The Holy Cities

• Rajgir 
• Parasnath Hill in Bihar
• Mount Kesariaji in Rajasthan
• Antariksa Parsvanatha in Akola, Maharashtra

The Holy Book of Jains

The Kalpa Sutra is the holy book of the of Jainism religion. It includes the biographies of Jain thirthankaras. They are humans who achieve enlightenment via asceticism. It is read in the eight day long festival called Paryushan

Creation of the World and Humans

Jains beileved that God had noothing to do with the creation of the universe. The universe was created entierly seprate. Jains believe humans and other creatures have always been here. There was no evolution or creationism. What is on planet Earth has always been here.

Jainism Relations

Jains got along well with many people. The followers of Hinduism and Buddhism got along well with the Jains because the Jainism was a lot like their own religion. Since they were so similar they did not have the rough differences when it came to religion.