Thursday, 23 February 2017

Ancient History:Jainism

Jainism:
  • Jainism was founded by Rishabhanath, the first Tirthankara.
  • There were 24 Tirthankara (Prophets or Gurus) and all of them were Kshatriyas. Rishabhanath’s
  • reference is also there in the Rigveda. But there is no historical basis for the first 22 Tirthankaras. Only the last two are historical personalities.
  • The 23rd TirthankaraParshwanath (symbol: snake) was the son of King Ashvasena of Benaras. His
  • main teachings were: Non-injury, Non-lying, Nonstealing, Non-possession.
  • The 24th and the last Tirthankara was Vardhman Mahavira (symbol: lion). He added celibacy to his main teachings.
About Vardhman Mahavira:
  • He was born in Kundagram (district Muzaffarpur, Bihar) in 599 B.C.
  • His father Siddhartha was the head of Jnatrika clan.His mother was Trishla, sister of Lichchhavi PrinceChetak of Vaishali.
  • Mahavira was related to Bimbisara.
  • Married to Yashoda and had a daughter named
  • Priyadarsena, whose husband Jamali became his st discipline.
  • In the 13th year of his asceticism, outside the town of Jrimbhikgrama, he attained supreme knowledge
  • At the age of 72, he attained death at Pava, nearPatna in 527 B.C.
Division in Jainism:
1) Bhadrabhan( Rule of Nudity)——Digambaras
2) Sthulbhadra( Wear a white garment)—–Svetambaras
Teachings of Mahavira:
  • Rejected the authority of Vedas and sacrifice.
  • Refused to deny the importance of God. God was placed lower than Jina.
  • Three ratnas are given: 1) Right Faith 2) Right Knowledge  3)  Right Conduct.

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