Introduction

Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India. It teaches that the path to salvation lies through non-violence, self-discipline, truth, renunciation and minimum harm to all living beings, including plants and animals.

Jainism is associated with a tradition of 24 Tirthankaras. A Tirthankara is a spiritual teacher who shows the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The Barli Inscription of Rajasthan, probably belonging to the 4th century BCE, is considered one of the earliest Jain inscriptions.

Meaning of Tirthankara

The word Tirthankara means “ford-maker”. A Tirthankara helps human beings cross the ocean of repeated births and deaths and attain Moksha.

There are 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism.

24 Tirthankaras of Jainism

1. Rishabhanatha

Rishabhanatha, also known as Rishabhadeva, Adinatha, Adishvara, Yugadeva and Nabheya, was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. He belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty and was born in Ayodhya. He is called a “ford-maker” because his teachings helped people cross the ocean of endless rebirths and deaths. His symbol is Bull.

2. Ajitanatha

Ajitanatha was the second Tirthankara of Jainism. He is remembered as a spiritual teacher who continued the Jain tradition of self-control, non-violence and liberation. His symbol is Elephant.

3. Sambhavanatha

Sambhavanatha was the third Tirthankara. He is associated with purity, discipline and the path of spiritual awakening. His symbol is Horse.

4. Abhinandananatha

Abhinandananatha was the fourth Tirthankara. He guided people towards right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. His symbol is Monkey.

5. Sumatinatha

Sumatinatha was the fifth Tirthankara. He is connected with wisdom, noble conduct and spiritual discipline. His symbol is Curlew.

6. Padmaprabha

Padmaprabha was the sixth Tirthankara. His name is associated with the brightness and purity of the lotus. His symbol is Red Lotus.

7. Suparshvanatha

Suparshvanatha was the seventh Tirthankara. He is remembered in Jain tradition for spreading the path of truth and non-violence. His symbol is Swastika.

8. Chandraprabha

Chandraprabha was the eighth Tirthankara. His name means one who has moon-like radiance. His symbol is Crescent Moon.

9. Pushpadanta

Pushpadanta was the ninth Tirthankara. He is also known as Suvidhinatha in Jain tradition. His symbol is Dolphin.

10. Shitalanatha

Shitalanatha was the tenth Tirthankara. His name suggests peace, calmness and coolness of mind. His symbol is Kalpavriksha.

11. Shreyansanatha

Shreyansanatha was the eleventh Tirthankara. He is associated with noble spiritual conduct and welfare. His symbol is Garuda.

12. Vasupujya

Vasupujya was the twelfth Tirthankara. He is remembered as a great Jain spiritual teacher. His symbol is Buffalo.

13. Vimalanatha

Vimalanatha was the thirteenth Tirthankara. His name means pure or stainless. His symbol is Boar.

14. Anantanatha

Anantanatha was the fourteenth Tirthankara. He represents infinite spiritual knowledge and purity. His symbol is Bear.

15. Dharmanatha

Dharmanatha was the fifteenth Tirthankara. His name is connected with Dharma, righteousness and moral conduct. His symbol is Vajra.

16. Shantinatha

Shantinatha was the sixteenth Tirthankara. His name means lord of peace. He is associated with spiritual peace and non-violence. His symbol is Deer.

17. Kunthunatha

Kunthunatha was the seventeenth Tirthankara. He taught self-control, morality and the path to liberation. His symbol is Goat.

18. Aranatha

Aranatha was the eighteenth Tirthankara. He is remembered as a guide of spiritual discipline and inner purity. His symbol is Fish.

19. Mallinatha

Mallinatha was the nineteenth Tirthankara. Jain tradition gives special importance to Mallinatha. His symbol is Kalasha.

20. Munisuvrata

Munisuvrata was the twentieth Tirthankara. His name is associated with the vows and discipline of sages. His symbol is Tortoise.

21. Naminatha

Naminatha was the twenty-first Tirthankara. He is remembered for spiritual humility and discipline. His symbol is Blue Lotus.

22. Neminatha

Neminatha was the twenty-second Tirthankara. He was the spiritual predecessor of Parshvanatha. His symbol is Shankha.

23. Parshvanatha

Parshvanatha was the twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism. He is considered the only Tirthankara who gained the title Kalikalkalpataru in the Kali Yuga. He was the spiritual successor of the twenty-second Tirthankara Neminatha. He is popularly seen as a propagator and reviver of Jainism. He was born in Varanasi and belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty. His symbol is Snake.

24. Mahavira

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born in the early part of the 6th century BCE in a royal Kshatriya Jain family at Kundagrama near Vaishali district, Bihar. He belonged to the Jnatrika clan.

His mother’s name was Trishala and his father’s name was Siddhartha. He was married to Yasoda and had a daughter named Anojja or Priyadarshana.

At the age of 30, Mahavira left his home and became an ascetic in search of truth. In Pali literature, he was known as Niggantha Nataputta.

He attained Kaivalya, the highest spiritual knowledge, at the age of 42 under a Sal tree. After enlightenment, he was called Mahavira, Jina, Jitendriya, Niggantha and Kevalin. He delivered his first sermon at Pava. He attained salvation at the age of 72 at Pawapuri in Bihar. His symbol is Lion.

Main Tenets of Jainism

Jainism recognised the existence of gods but placed them below the Jina or Mahavira. It did not completely condemn the Varna system, but it tried to reduce the evils of the Varna order and ritualistic Vedic religion.

According to Mahavira, a person is born in a higher or lower Varna as a result of virtues or sins committed in previous births. Jainism believes in the transmigration of the soul and the theory of Karma. Its main aim is the attainment of liberation or Moksha, for which no ritual is required.

Three Jewels of Jainism

The three jewels are also known as Triratna.

1. Right Faith

Right Faith means Samyak Darshan. It means correct belief in truth and Jain teachings.

2. Right Knowledge

Right Knowledge means Samyak Jnana. It means proper understanding of reality.

3. Right Action

Right Action means Samyak Charitra. It means correct conduct and ethical living.

Five Doctrines of Jainism

1. Ahimsa

Ahimsa means non-injury or non-violence towards all living beings.

2. Satya

Satya means truthfulness. A person should not lie.

3. Asteya

Asteya means not stealing.

4. Aparigraha

Aparigraha means not acquiring or accumulating property unnecessarily.

5. Brahmacharya

Brahmacharya means observing continence and self-control.

Jain Councils

First Jain Council

The First Jain Council was held around 300 BCE at Pataliputra. Its chairman was Sthulabhadra. The main outcome was the compilation of 12 Angas.

Second Jain Council

The Second Jain Council was held in 512 CE at Vallabhi. Its chairman was Devardhi Kshamashramana. Its main outcome was the final compilation of 12 Angas and 12 Upangas.

Important Doctrines of Jainism

Anekantavada

Anekantavada means the theory of many-sided reality. It says that ultimate truth and reality are complex and have multiple aspects. No single viewpoint can completely explain the truth.

Syadvada

Syadvada means that all judgments are conditional. It examines reality according to conditions, circumstances and different viewpoints. It literally means the method of examining different probabilities.

Important Terms Related to Jainism

Asrava

Asrava means the inflow of karmas into the soul. It occurs every second in life.

Samvara

Samvara means the stoppage of the inflow of material karmas into the soul-consciousness.

Nirjara

Nirjara means shedding or removal of accumulated karmas from the soul. It is essential for breaking free from Samsara, the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, and achieving Moksha.

Sallekhana or Santhara

Sallekhana or Santhara is a religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids.

Jain Literature

Jain literature is classified into two major categories:

1. Agam Literature

Agam literature contains the sacred teachings and religious doctrines of Jainism.

2. Non-Agam Literature

Non-Agam literature includes later Jain texts, explanations, commentaries, stories and philosophical works.

Quick Revision Points

Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India.
Jainism teaches non-violence and self-discipline.
Jainism has 24 Tirthankaras.
First Tirthankara: Rishabhanatha.
Twenty-third Tirthankara: Parshvanatha.
Twenty-fourth Tirthankara: Mahavira.
Mahavira was born at Kundagrama near Vaishali.
Mahavira belonged to the Jnatrika clan.
Mahavira’s father was Siddhartha.
Mahavira’s mother was Trishala.
Mahavira’s wife was Yasoda.
Mahavira’s daughter was Anojja or Priyadarshana.
Mahavira left home at the age of 30.
Mahavira attained Kaivalya at the age of 42.
Mahavira attained salvation at Pawapuri.
Triratna means Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Action.
Five doctrines are Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha and Brahmacharya.
First Jain Council was held at Pataliputra.
Second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi.
Anekantavada means many-sided reality.
Syadvada means conditional judgment.
Asrava means inflow of karmas.
Samvara means stoppage of karmic inflow.
Nirjara means removal of accumulated karmas.
Sallekhana means fasting unto death.

परिचय

जैन धर्म भारत के सबसे प्राचीन धर्मों में से एक है। इसकी जड़ें कम-से-कम छठी शताब्दी ईसा पूर्व तक जाती हैं। जैन धर्म अहिंसा, सत्य, आत्मसंयम, तप, त्याग तथा सभी जीवों के प्रति करुणा पर बल देता है। इसका अंतिम लक्ष्य मोक्ष (मुक्ति) प्राप्त करना है।

जैन धर्म में 24 तीर्थंकरों की परंपरा है। तीर्थंकर वे महान आध्यात्मिक गुरु हैं जो संसार रूपी सागर से पार जाने का मार्ग दिखाते हैं।

महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य

राजस्थान का बड़ली अभिलेख (Barli Inscription) जैन धर्म के सबसे प्राचीन अभिलेखों में से एक माना जाता है।
इसका समय लगभग चौथी शताब्दी ईसा पूर्व माना जाता है।

तीर्थंकर का अर्थ

"तीर्थंकर" का अर्थ है मोक्ष का मार्ग दिखाने वाला। वे ऐसे महान शिक्षक होते हैं जो मनुष्य को जन्म-मृत्यु के चक्र से मुक्त होने का मार्ग बताते हैं।

जैन धर्म में कुल 24 तीर्थंकर हुए हैं।

24 तीर्थंकरों का विस्तृत विवरण

1. ऋषभनाथ (आदिनाथ)

जैन धर्म के प्रथम तीर्थंकर।
अन्य नाम:
- ऋषभदेव
- आदिनाथ
- आदीश्वर
- युगदेव
- नाभेय
इक्ष्वाकु वंश से संबंधित।
जन्म – अयोध्या।
इनके उपदेशों ने लोगों को जन्म-मृत्यु के चक्र से मुक्ति का मार्ग दिखाया।
प्रतीक – बैल

2. अजितनाथ

जैन धर्म के द्वितीय तीर्थंकर।
आत्मसंयम, तप और मोक्ष के मार्ग का प्रचार किया।
प्रतीक – हाथी

3. सम्भवनाथ

जैन धर्म के तृतीय तीर्थंकर।
पवित्रता और आध्यात्मिक जागरण का संदेश दिया।
प्रतीक – घोड़ा

4. अभिनंदननाथ

जैन धर्म के चतुर्थ तीर्थंकर।
सम्यक ज्ञान एवं सम्यक आचरण पर बल दिया।
प्रतीक – बंदर

5. सुमतिनाथ

जैन धर्म के पंचम तीर्थंकर।
सद्बुद्धि और सदाचार के प्रतीक माने जाते हैं।
प्रतीक – कुरल पक्षी (Curlew)

6. पद्मप्रभ

जैन धर्म के षष्ठम तीर्थंकर।
इनके नाम का अर्थ कमल के समान तेजस्वी।
प्रतीक – लाल कमल

7. सुपार्श्वनाथ

जैन धर्म के सप्तम तीर्थंकर।
सत्य एवं अहिंसा के प्रचारक।
प्रतीक – स्वस्तिक

8. चन्द्रप्रभ

जैन धर्म के अष्टम तीर्थंकर।
चंद्रमा जैसी शीतलता एवं प्रकाश के प्रतीक।
प्रतीक – अर्धचंद्र

9. पुष्पदंत

जैन धर्म के नवम तीर्थंकर।
इन्हें सुविधिनाथ भी कहा जाता है।
प्रतीक – डॉल्फिन

10. शीतलनाथ

जैन धर्म के दशम तीर्थंकर।
शांति एवं मानसिक संतुलन के प्रतीक।
प्रतीक – कल्पवृक्ष

11. श्रेयांसनाथ

जैन धर्म के ग्यारहवें तीर्थंकर।
श्रेष्ठ जीवन एवं कल्याणकारी विचारों का प्रचार किया।
प्रतीक – गरुड़

12. वासुपूज्य

जैन धर्म के बारहवें तीर्थंकर।
महान आध्यात्मिक गुरु के रूप में सम्मानित।
प्रतीक – भैंसा

13. विमलनाथ

जैन धर्म के तेरहवें तीर्थंकर।
"विमल" का अर्थ है निर्मल और शुद्ध।
प्रतीक – वराह (सूअर)

14. अनंतनाथ

जैन धर्म के चौदहवें तीर्थंकर।
अनंत ज्ञान एवं आध्यात्मिक शक्ति के प्रतीक।
प्रतीक – भालू

15. धर्मनाथ

जैन धर्म के पंद्रहवें तीर्थंकर।
धर्म एवं सदाचार के प्रचारक।
प्रतीक – वज्र

16. शांतिनाथ

जैन धर्म के सोलहवें तीर्थंकर।
शांति एवं अहिंसा के प्रतीक।
प्रतीक – हिरण

17. कुंथुनाथ

जैन धर्म के सत्रहवें तीर्थंकर।
आत्मसंयम एवं नैतिक जीवन पर बल दिया।
प्रतीक – बकरा

18. अरनाथ

जैन धर्म के अठारहवें तीर्थंकर।
आध्यात्मिक अनुशासन के लिए प्रसिद्ध।
प्रतीक – मछली

19. मल्लिनाथ

जैन धर्म के उन्नीसवें तीर्थंकर।
जैन परंपरा में अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण स्थान।
प्रतीक – कलश

20. मुनिसुव्रतनाथ

जैन धर्म के बीसवें तीर्थंकर।
तप, व्रत और साधना के प्रतीक।
प्रतीक – कछुआ

21. नामिनाथ

जैन धर्म के इक्कीसवें तीर्थंकर।
विनम्रता एवं संयम के लिए प्रसिद्ध।
प्रतीक – नील कमल

22. नेमिनाथ

जैन धर्म के बाईसवें तीर्थंकर।
पार्श्वनाथ के आध्यात्मिक पूर्ववर्ती।
प्रतीक – शंख

23. पार्श्वनाथ

जैन धर्म के तेईसवें तीर्थंकर।
जैन धर्म के पुनरुद्धारक और प्रचारक माने जाते हैं।
22वें तीर्थंकर नेमिनाथ के आध्यात्मिक उत्तराधिकारी।
जन्म – वाराणसी।
इक्ष्वाकु वंश से संबंधित।
"कलिकालकल्पतरु" की उपाधि प्राप्त।
प्रतीक – सर्प

24. महावीर स्वामी (वर्धमान)

जैन धर्म के 24वें एवं अंतिम तीर्थंकर।
जन्म – कुंडग्राम (वैशाली, बिहार)।
कुल – ज्ञात्रिक क्षत्रिय कुल।

परिवार

पिता – सिद्धार्थ
माता – त्रिशला
पत्नी – यशोदा
पुत्री – अनोज्जा (प्रियदर्शना)

गृहत्याग

30 वर्ष की आयु में घर त्याग दिया।
सत्य की खोज में संन्यासी बने।
पाली साहित्य में निगंठ नातपुत्त कहलाए।

कैवल्य ज्ञान

42 वर्ष की आयु में साल वृक्ष के नीचे कैवल्य ज्ञान प्राप्त किया।

उपाधियाँ

महावीर
जिन
जितेन्द्रिय
निगंठ
केवलिन

प्रथम उपदेश

पावा में दिया।

निर्वाण

72 वर्ष की आयु में बिहार के पावापुरी में निर्वाण प्राप्त किया।
प्रतीक – सिंह

जैन धर्म के सिद्धांत

जैन धर्म ईश्वर के अस्तित्व को स्वीकार करता है, लेकिन जिन (महावीर) को सर्वोच्च स्थान देता है।

यह धर्म:

आत्मा के पुनर्जन्म में विश्वास करता है।
कर्म सिद्धांत को स्वीकार करता है।
वैदिक कर्मकांडों का विरोध करता है।
मोक्ष को जीवन का अंतिम लक्ष्य मानता है।

महावीर के अनुसार मनुष्य का उच्च या निम्न जन्म उसके पूर्व जन्मों के कर्मों पर निर्भर करता है।

त्रिरत्न (Three Jewels)

मोक्ष प्राप्ति के लिए तीन रत्न आवश्यक हैं:

1. सम्यक दर्शन

सत्य में सही विश्वास।

2. सम्यक ज्ञान

वास्तविकता का सही ज्ञान।

3. सम्यक चरित्र

सही आचरण एवं नैतिक जीवन।

जैन धर्म के पाँच महाव्रत

1. अहिंसा

किसी भी जीव को हानि न पहुँचाना।

2. सत्य

सत्य बोलना।

3. अस्तेय

चोरी न करना।

4. अपरिग्रह

अनावश्यक संपत्ति का संग्रह न करना।

5. ब्रह्मचर्य

इंद्रिय संयम एवं शुद्ध जीवन।

जैन संगीति

प्रथम जैन संगीति

समय – 300 ईसा पूर्व
स्थान – पाटलिपुत्र
अध्यक्ष – स्थूलभद्र
परिणाम – 12 अंगों का संकलन

द्वितीय जैन संगीति

समय – 512 ईस्वी
स्थान – वल्लभी
अध्यक्ष – देवर्धि क्षमाश्रमण
परिणाम –
- 12 अंगों का अंतिम संकलन
- 12 उपांगों का संकलन

जैन दर्शन

अनेकांतवाद

सत्य और वास्तविकता के अनेक पक्ष होते हैं।
कोई भी एक दृष्टिकोण पूर्ण सत्य को नहीं समझा सकता।

स्यादवाद

प्रत्येक कथन कुछ विशेष परिस्थितियों में ही सत्य होता है।
विभिन्न संभावनाओं के आधार पर सत्य का अध्ययन किया जाता है।

जैन धर्म के महत्वपूर्ण शब्द

आस्रव

आत्मा में कर्मों का प्रवेश।

संवर

कर्मों के आत्मा में प्रवेश को रोकना।

निर्जरा

संचित कर्मों का नाश करना।

सल्लेखना (संथारा)

उपवास द्वारा स्वेच्छा से मृत्यु को स्वीकार करने की धार्मिक प्रक्रिया।

जैन साहित्य

जैन साहित्य दो भागों में विभाजित है:

1. आगम साहित्य

महावीर स्वामी की शिक्षाओं पर आधारित ग्रंथ।

2. अनागम साहित्य

आगमों के अतिरिक्त लिखे गए ग्रंथ, टीकाएँ, कथाएँ एवं दार्शनिक रचनाएँ।

परीक्षा हेतु अति महत्वपूर्ण तथ्य

जैन धर्म के प्रथम तीर्थंकर – ऋषभनाथ
जैन धर्म के 24वें तीर्थंकर – महावीर
कुल तीर्थंकर – 24
महावीर का जन्म – कुंडग्राम (वैशाली)
पिता – सिद्धार्थ
माता – त्रिशला
पत्नी – यशोदा
पुत्री – प्रियदर्शना
गृहत्याग – 30 वर्ष
कैवल्य ज्ञान – 42 वर्ष
निर्वाण – पावापुरी
प्रथम जैन संगीति – पाटलिपुत्र
द्वितीय जैन संगीति – वल्लभी
त्रिरत्न – सम्यक दर्शन, सम्यक ज्ञान, सम्यक चरित्र
पंच महाव्रत – अहिंसा, सत्य, अस्तेय, अपरिग्रह, ब्रह्मचर्य
अनेकांतवाद – सत्य के अनेक पक्ष
स्यादवाद – सापेक्ष सत्य का सिद्धांत
आस्रव – कर्मों का प्रवेश
संवर – कर्मों का रोकना
निर्जरा – कर्मों का नाश
सल्लेखना – उपवास द्वारा मृत्यु

Jainism (जैन धर्म) – Complete Notes | Vitorr Classes | BILINGUAL | HINDI & ENGLISH