DMACC HIS 280 - History of Jainism (8 pages)

History of Jainism Pre vedic an indigenous Indian religion ancient Hindu and Buddhist sources mention the Jains History 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 years History 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 mind 25 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 towns The two groups Two groups within the group Digambaras Left the area of Mahavira because of famine Svetambaras Stayed in the area A 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 cannons Sky 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 feathers White 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 woman