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Submitted by pankit on May 7, 2006
Category: Religion
Words: 1798 | Pages: 8
Views: 418
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One of the most ancient religious traditions of India, Jainism is believed to be more than 5000 years old. Credited as being the religion that influenced Mahatma Ghandi, Jainism has demonstrated a remarkable tenacity and endurance, and continues to flourish as one of the most important religions on earth.
Jainism traces its roots to a succession of 24 Jinas ("those who overcome," or "conquerors") in ancient East India. The first Jina is traditionally believed to have been a giant who lived 8.4 million years ago. The most recent and last Jina was Vardhamana (a.k.a. Mahavira, "The Great Hero"). He was born in 550 BCE and is considered to be the founder of the modern-day Jain community.
Although there are millions of followers and thousands of monks of the Jain faith living in India, there are only two monks in America. Followers of Jainism in the States consist of social groups, often called "societies." Leaders of these societies are "presidents" or "directors."
Mahavira was a high-born member of a warrior caste who renounced the world when he was thirty to pursue a life as an ascetic. He is known as the 24th Tirthankara and has been the last to appear.
Mahavira's moment of enlightenment came after twelve years of spiritual pursuit. He then gathered twelve disciples around him, and it was through these disciples that his teachings were eventually documented and disseminated.
Jainism itself was actually practiced for thousands of years before that, but after Mahavira preached, the religion spread and gained popularity.
The Tirthankaras are ordinary people, just like you and me. But by practicing the principles of Jainism, becoming enlightened and getting rid of all karma, eventually they attained omniscience: the final pure natural state of existence in everlasting spiritual bliss.
The sacred texts of the Jains are called Agamas. Most authorities agree that most of the ancient texts derive from Mahavira, who was in...
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