History of JainismHistory, cont’d...Slide 325 Tirthkaras so farThe two groupsA LITTLE different...Sky Clad OnesWhite Clad OnesHistory of Jainism•Pre-vedic–an indigenous Indian religion•ancient Hindu and Buddhist sources mention the JainsHistory, cont’d...•Mahavira–contemporary of the Buddha (d. 526 BCE)•also a prince•renounced his comfortable life.•Meditated for 12 years (silence, fasting…)•wandering teacher for 30 yearsHistory, cont’d...•Tirthankaras–fordmakers, or better pathfinders•elevated beyond the human plane of existence, not available to Jains with assistance•models for good and ethically and morally correct behavior•honored through images–call the tirthankara good life and example to mind25 Tirthkaras so far–1st was Lord Rishabba•provided moral and ethical codes–marriage–family law–justice–government•first science information–agriculture–crafts–reading–writing–mathematics brought forth civilization–built villages, cities, and townsThe two groups•Two groups within the group–Digambaras•Left the area of Mahavira because of famine–Svetambaras•Stayed in the areaA LITTLE different...–Two primary differences between the two•relaxation of nudity requirement for monks (Digambaras yes, Svetambaras no)•council convened for moving from oral transmission of teachings to established written cannonsSky Clad Ones–Sky clad ones•no nudity, no shame, no stuff, no kidding…•wear the environment as ones clothing, that way you hurt nothing•2 possessions–gourd to drink water–fan made from drooped peacock feathersWhite Clad Ones–White clad ones•piece of white cloth–And what about women?•Digambaras;–women lack strong body and willpower to attain liberation»can be liberated IF reborn in a mans body•Svetambaras;–women are capable of the same spiritual achievements»19th tirthankara was a