Jainism: A guide to one of the world's oldest religions

Originating over two thousand years ago in India, Jainism has developed a unique worldview that has profoundly influenced many aspects of culture and society. For Jains, spiritual perfection is achieved through strict discipline and self-control. But how exactly has this religion influenced society and why are its principles still relevant today? Let's dive into the world of Jainism to better understand its traditions, customs and modern manifestations.

What is the origin of Jainism?

It is one of the oldest religions in the world, originating in ancient India in the tenth century BC. Although Hindus have long claimed otherwise, Jainism is radically different from Hinduism. In the late nineteenth century, German scholars proved that Jainism cannot be a branch of Hinduism because it recognises neither the Vedas (the sacred books of Hinduism), nor the authority of the Brahmins or Hindu deities.

In their temples, Jains honour one of 24 spiritual guides known as tirthankaras (‘ferryman of reincarnations’) or jinas (‘victorious ones’). The most revered of the tirthankaras is the last, Mahavira, who is said to have lived from 599 to 527 BCE. It was Mahavira who organised the community into four orders: laymen and women, monks and nuns. Hence he is sometimes called the founder of Jainism. His birthday (Mahavira Jayanti) falls on the 13th day of the Indian lunar month of Chaitra. On this day, which is a kind of ‘Jain Christmas’, the Prime Minister of India lays a wreath of flowers at the colossal statue of Mahavira in New Delhi.

Mahavira's teachings were transmitted in the form of twelve holy books called Agamas. Originally common to all believers, these twelve scriptures began to differentiate after the exile of some of the Jains to South India and then after a schism in the 3rd century BC. Two main branches emerged: the Shwetambaras, who wore white robes, and the Digambaras, who remained naked, like Mahavira, as a sign of total renunciation of the world. Over the centuries, these two groups have been subdivided into several sub-directions, making Jainism today characterised by a great diversity of beliefs and practices.

What is the Jain belief?

In Jainism, the goal of existence is to achieve enlightenment (nirvana) and escape the cycle of rebirths (samsara). To achieve this, believers adhere to the ‘three jewels’ of Jainism - right faith, right knowledge and right behaviour - and commit themselves to universal non-violence (ahimsa). The Jains reject all violence, not only in deeds and words, but also in thought. 

They have always practised and preached respect for nature and the environment, without waiting for the fashionable fad of environmentalists. Following a vow of non-violence, Jains are vegans: they do not eat meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, wine or honey; they never wear leather, fur, wool or silk, nor do they use substances tested on animals. In India, the Jain community has even established several animal hospitals, including the Delhi Charitable Bird Hospital, where thousands of pigeons have been treated since 1956.

To thank them for their commitment to creation, in June 2016 (after two previous visits in 1995 and 2011), Pope Francis received representatives of the London Institute of Jainology. The author of «Laudato si'» encouraged Jains to continue what they do to protect life on earth, ’as one does with a mother or sister, with tenderness and peace.’

What kind of life do Jain monks and nuns lead?

There are only 10,000 monks in India. Boys destined for the ascetic life can begin their training from the age of 8 (12 for girls) under the guidance of an acharya (religious leader). On the day of initiation (diksha), around age 20, these young monks and nuns, with shaved heads, are given two single items: a small broom (so as not to squash insects) and a bucket for ablution. 

Jain ascetics take five main vows (mahavrata): absolute non-violence, complete sincerity (not to say anything harmful), strict chastity (sexual abstinence), perfect honesty (not to take anything that is not given) and non-attachment to worldly things. Monks and nuns, clad in white, walk barefoot away from cities, alone or in small groups, begging alms and preaching non-violence, except during the three months of monsoon when they avoid travelling.

What kind of lifestyle do worldly Jains lead?

They take the same five vows (chastity corresponds to absolute fidelity to one's spouse), but these are the so-called minor vows (anuvrata), to which are added six daily duties: meditation, veneration of the 24 tirthankaras, salutation of honourable ascetics, repentance for transgressions committed, practice of kayotsarga (not moving for 48 minutes) and recitation of forgiveness formulas and mantras. They should also make donations to charity.

Jaina laypeople are highly intellectual: ‘Many are writers, architects or high-ranking civil servants. They are also well represented in industrial, financial and political circles. The lay people often visit Jain temples to perform puja. The most beautiful Jain temples are Lal Mandir in old Delhi, Ranakpur and Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat.

Who are the Jains today?

It is estimated that there are about 9 million Jains in India, mostly in the states of Maharashtra (1.3 million) and Gujarat (1 million). It is difficult to count them, notes Jainism expert Pierre-Paul Amiel, because India no longer has religious censuses and Jains can worship at home. More than 200,000 lay people are in exile in the US (150,000), the UK (30,000) and elsewhere.

‘You are born a Jain because you come from a family practising this religion. Jains do not proselytise and conversions to Jainism are rare, especially since they are accepted only after an in-depth study of dogma, rituals and sacred texts,’ explains Pierre-Paul Amiel, citing the “exceptional” case of a young American woman who is in the process of becoming a Jain nun in India.

Conclusion

Jainism, while maintaining its identity and fidelity to ancient traditions, continues to attract attention for its profound philosophical approach to life. In a world where the pursuit of non-violence, respect for nature and self-restraint is becoming increasingly relevant, the principles of Jainism resonate not only in India but also beyond. This religion teaches not only spiritual discipline but also practical approaches to life that can change the way we see the world.