Lory Ice Religions of the WorldJournal 5 DATE @ & Essays - Religion

Lory Ice Religions of the WorldJournal 5 DATE \@ MMMM d, y February 12, 2017 Jainism, also known as Jain Dharma is one of the oldest practicing religions, today Jain is still active in India and as well as Canada. Jainism has no belief in a creator or G od, although there are a number of lesser Gods for various aspects of life. Jains believe that the universe and everything in it is eternal. Nothing that exists now was ever created, nor will it be destroyed. They also believe that the universe consists of three realms: the heavens, the earthly realm and the hells. Jainism was founded by Mahavira. Mahavira was born near Pant a during c. 599 BC. His father was a king. His disciples are called Jains or Jan which means followers or children of Victor. Jainism is also referred to as Jain and that is how they refer to themselves . Jainism spread t o north-eastern and north-western population cities after Mahavira ' s death. During this time, the monks began to argue, causing a split. This religion split into two different communities or churches. The the Digambaras and the Savetambara. The split between the two became final and exists to the present day. Digambar believe that a person should give up all their possessions including cloth ing . They wear no clothes and carry only a peacock feather to brush away insects from their walking path so that they do not harm them. Digambaras also only eat food once a day, they maintain a vow of nudity . The Digambar are anti-feminist and they believe that women cannot attain salvation in this life, w omen were condemned as th e greatest temptation and where thought to be the cause of all sinful acts. Women could not practice unity. The only way for them to be release d was to be born again as a man. However, a man could also be reborn as a woman. Svetembars are different from the Digambar s, they are given three pieces of cloth to wear, a begging bowl, and a wool whisk. They beg for their food and travel the countryside eight months of the year. Women can become nuns. Svetembaras wear plain white robes, nudity is optional . N ovice monks or nuns receives a whisk of yarn to remove insects from their path way as well. They decorate images with clothing of ornaments, and some wear a cloth over their mouth to prevent insects from being swallowed. Both sectors have their own scared books and commentaries. Jains have many beliefs that they follow, most are about peace and non - violence. Some of the beliefs that they follow are ahimsa, asceticism, karma, samsara, and the jiva. A himsa is a religious concept that teaches non - violence and a respect for all life. Including animal s , and most plant life are considered precious and must not be ha rmed. Jains are also forbidden from having an occupa tion that causes the devastation of life. Like hunting and fishing, eating meat, eggs, also to use any animal products including leather. They can not partake in animal sacrifice, drinking liquor, eating things like honey, potatoes , carrots, certain fruits, or even eating at night, are forbidden. Jains have been known to cover their face with a mask to guard against breathing in and destroying insect life or sweep the path before them as to avoid stepping on any life form. A sceticism believes in not participating in any worldly pleasures and becoming a monk. Monks must take five vowels and live their lives wandering between temples and meditating. Karma is also believed in the Jains religion like in the Hindu religion. However Jains believe that karma is in a form of matter. They do not believe in good or bad karma but try to avoid all karma. Samsara is the cycle of life , death , and rebirth . Going from one life to the other. Jainism is a religion of love and compassion, with an eternal universe. Jainism is very closely related to Hinduism and is the minority religion of India. Hinduism and Jainism do however have different views on how