Svetambara sect of jainism holy books

This page provides information about important jain texts. The digambara sect is more austere, and is closer in its ways to the jains at the time of mahavira. The study, recitation and veneration of sacred scriptures are a primary religious focus of the jains. Literally, the monks of the digambaras are naked while those of the svetambaras wear white clothes. The svetambara or white clad and the digambara or sky clad. Holy books and writings of jainism the texts containing the teachings of mahavira are called the agamas, and are the canonical literature the scriptures of svetambara jainism. Followers of jainism are called jains, a word derived from the sanskrit word jina victor referring to the path of victory in crossing over lifes stream of rebirths by destroying karma through an ethical and spiritual life. The texts had to be memorised since jain monks and nuns wer. Sep 11, 2009 the digambara sect is more austere, and is closer in its ways to the jains at the time of mahavira. In jainism it has special significance, as on this day in 527 bce according to svetambara tradition that mahavira gave his last teachings and attained ultimate liberation.

First some saints left svetambara sect to form the lonka sect in 1474, citation needed, which eventually led to forming of the sthanakavasi in 1653. The history of jainism after lord mahavira is recorded in the jaina literature preserved in various indian languages. Jainism is an indian religion which is traditionally believed to be propagated by twentyfour spiritual teachers known as tirthankara. Digambara jain agamas digambara svetambara jain agamas svetambara. Of the two major divisions of jainism, the digambaras believe all their original scriptures going back to the time of mahavira, their founder in the present era. Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world followed by nearly four million people today. Find the top 100 most popular items in amazon books best sellers. The texts containing the teachings of mahavira are called the agamas, and are the canonical literature the scriptures of svetambara jainism. Buddhism vs jainism difference and comparison diffen. Svetambara monks are allowed to wear simple white clothes.

Followers of this religion which believes in renunciation and harmlessness are called jains, and there are about 4 million jains worldwide. This website is an archive of content from the internet. Both sects agree, however, that the purvas were lost in the famineafter the famine monks and nuns of the svetambara sect held conferences to see what they should do to keep. The religion states that the tirthankara taught in a divine preaching hall called. Ultimate goal of life is eternal release from karma.

Jaina canon, the sacred texts of jainism, a religion of india, whose authenticity is disputed between sects. Holy book of jain religion these texts are collectively known as agams, the sacred books of the jain religion. Jain sects the jain religion is one of the oldest religions in the world. Mahaviras disciples compiled his words into texts or sutras, and memorized them to pass on to future generations. Agam literature consists of many texts, which are the sacred books of the jain religion. Full text of notes on modern jainism, with special. The conflict between the svetambara and digambara sects comes. The split did not incur doctrinal or moral differences but only. Jainism is an ecologically responsible way of life which is nonviolent in thought, action, and deed. We have certain scriptures which are considered as very sacred.

The original teachings went through a rapid period of decline, state the digambaras, and svetambara claims of preserving the sacred knowledge and ancient angas is false. About the book jainism, the most fascinating and complex among the indian religious, offers an interesting field of enquiry for the scholar of comparative religions. This article provides an overview of the two major jain sects. After the famine, monks and nuns of the svetambara sect held several.

The surviving versions of the agamas taught by mahavira are some of svetambara jainisms foundation texts, but their authenticity is disputed in digambara jainism. In accordance with their practice of nonviolence, the monks also use a peacockfeather duster to clear their path of insects to. Its philosophy and practice relies mainly on selfeffort in progressing the soul on the spiritual ladder to divine. The texts containing the teachings of mahavira are called the agamas. Jun 12, 2014 4dt socio is a daily feed of interesting internet fragments. Lonka shahfounder of sthanakvasi jain sect of svetambara. It is generally believed that the jain sangha divided into two major sects, digambar and svetambar, about 200 years after mahaviras nirvana. Differences between the digambara and svetambara sects of jainism. Sep 02, 2003 the indian religion of jainism, whose central tenet involves nonviolence to all creatures, is one of the worlds oldest and leastunderstood faiths. The most momentous event, which occurred about 80 a. In 1760, thirteen saints started their own order called the terapanth.

Differences between svetambara and digambara both groups accept the basic jain philosophy and. He was born on 3 december 1827, at bharatpur rajasthan, in the family of the businessman named rishabhadas parakh. Some historians believe there was no clear division until the 5th century. Full text of notes on modern jainism, with special reference to the svetambara, digambara and sthanakavasi sects. Our intention behind our actions of body, mind, and speech bind us with karma. The best available information indicates that the chief jain monk, acharya bhadrabahu, foresaw famine and led about 12,000 digambar followers to. Acarya mahaprajna, acarya tulsi and followers discuss editions of the holy scriptures, the agamas. Jainism is believe to have originated in the form of resistance to vedic rituals and brahmanical thought streams prevailing in hinduism. The svetambara tradition does not refute the view but states that even if. The digambara sect of jainism believes that all the agamas were lost in the famine. Most religions have sets of holy writings that lay out key principles and offer guidance and examples to believers, and jainism is no exception. Dsst introduction to world religions flashcards quizlet. Some artifacts found in the indus valley civilization have been suggested as a link to ancient jain culture, but this is highly. On divali parents will often give sweets to their children, and lamps are lit all over india.

Jainism is an ancient indian religion known as jain dharma. All jains believe that this teaching was first transmitted orally. Jain literature is primarily divided between digambara literature and svetambara literature. Full text of yoga sastra of hemacandra a 12 century hand book of svetambara jainism olle quarnstrom university of harvard 60. Broadly, jainism is divided into two major schools of thought, digambara and svetambara. Jainism regards every living soul as potentially divine. Hence, the jain religion does not have one sacred book like the bible or. The jain literature which was complied by ganadharas and srutkevlis is known as agam literature. Jain manuscript painting essay the metropolitan museum. Jainism offers a quiet, overwhelmingly serious way of life, a cultural insistence on compassion, a society of ethics that has dramatically changed the world and will continue to effect change. What is the main book of jains like bible of christmas and. There are two main sects in jainism svetambara and digambara. Jainism is an indian religion which is traditionally believed to be propagated by twentyfour. Jains see these texts, which are the transcriptions of lord mahavirs sermons, as sacred documents.

It is found in the front side of the temple, having religious importance with an ornamental pillar structure carrying the. The digambara and svetambara sects the digambara and svetambara sects it is worthwhile to see what the exact differences between the digambara and svetambara sects of jainism are. This explains why the svetambaras and digambaras consider different texts to be. Full text of yoga sastra of hemacandra a 12 century hand. Even today the recitation and worship of the kalpasutra manuscript forms an important part of the annual paryushana festival celebrated by the svetambara whiteclad jains during the monsoon season. Jainism originated in india thousands of years ago and is thought to have heavily influenced the two other main belief systems of the region at that time. The monks cover their mouths with strips of cloth muppati while speaking and collect food from laymens houses. Difference between svetambara and digambara in jainism.

Jain literature comprises jain agamas and subsequent commentaries on them by various jain ascetics. The jain swastika appears in all temples and holy books. Chief among these is ardha magadhi, which due to its extensive use has also come to be identified as the definitive form of prakrit. Using the english word canon to describe jain holy writings is increasingly.

Buddhism is centered upon the life and teachings of gautama buddha, whereas jainism is centered on the life and teachings of mahavira. The svetambaras believe that the collection of 32 or 45, the number is disputed agamas holy scriptures are the first and foremost of all holy texts. An ideology arising in opposition to the vedic rituals of sanatan dharma, which takes the form of a sect. While there are differences in practices, the core philosophy and main principles of each sect is same. Much like buddhism and hinduism, the roots of jainism can be traced back to ancient india. Jain tradition records seven minor movements nihnava within jainism during its early history, either during or after mahavira, in addition to the major schism that led to the formation of svetambara and digambara sects, the seeds of which were probably sown during mahaviras time. Sep 28, 2017 svetambaras is associated with jainism, and is one of the two main sects. All sects agree that teaching was first transmitted orally, however, the two main sects of jainism, svetambara and digambara disagree on which scriptures are authoritative, or most important. When the soul sheds its karmic bonds completely, it attains godconsciousness. The word canon for the jain holy writings is increasingly felt to be. The jain swastika appears in all temples and holy books, and during. We use cookies to offer you a better experience, personalize content, tailor advertising, provide social media features, and better understand the use of our services.

The books of jainism were written in the popular vernacular dialects as opposed to sanskrit which was the classical standard of brahmanism, and therefore encompass a number of related dialects. Jainism differs from other religions in its concept of god. The holy teachers are called the jina, and they are the epitome of teaching for all jains, especially the jina mahavira. The suryaprajnaptisutra, a 4th or 3rd century bce astronomy text of svetambara jains. The conflict between the svetambara and digambara sects comes into play regarding the drstivada. It was founded by acharya bhikshu, also known as swami bhikanji maharaj. The two sects agree on the basics of jainism, but disagree on.

The sect is essentially a reformation of the one founded on teachings of lonka. We have only one sky, one earth, one water, one fire and one air. The different jain sects accept different numbers of angbahya texts. Jainism dont have any specific holy book like the bhagavad geeta,the quran or the bible. Digambara jaina disciple district emperor epigraph fifteenth century. They share a common cultural and linguistic background too, but the jain tradition is regarded as an independent tradition and not a hindu sect or buddhist. Lets begin with the history while understanding svetambaras. In fact there are no fundamental doctrinal differences.

Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. The religion centres on the progress of ones soul towards a divine consciousness through selfreformation, wisdom and selfcontrol and pacifism towards all living creatures. Digambaras and svetambaras disagree as to which books constitute. Fundamental beliefs of jainism the soul is bounded by karma from the beginning of time the principles governing the successions of life cycles birth, life, and death is karma. Jainism and other religions jainism and other religions as jainism, in all respects, is a religion of india, it has very close relations with other main religions of india like hinduism and buddhism. Agama is a sanskrit word which signifies the coming of a body of doctrine by means of.

Digambara sect of jainism holds that most of these texts were lost and hence they have rewritten these texts. The other sect goes by the name digembara, who and there are certain differences between both sects. The patrons were mainly svetambara jains, who considered the commissioning of illustrated books and their donation to jain temple libraries bhandars to be an important meritmaking activity. They believe that the words of mahavira neither survive nor could be recorded. The svetambara sect has also been split into three major subsects. The jainism has its own scriptures called agamas or srutas, which are. The svetambara sect of jainism believes that most of them survived. Mahaviras disciples compiled his words into texts or sutras, and memorised them to pass on to future generations. For the svetambara sect, as for all jains, the jinas are the ultimate source of teaching.

Even religious scriptures were considered possessions and therefore knowledge of the. Traditionally, the original doctrine of jainism was contained in scriptures called purva. Sep 11, 2009 this is one of the most important differences between the two groups in jainism, and it means that jain texts have very different roles for the two groups of jains. Jainpedia themes principles svetambara terapanthin. The svetambara terapanthins believe that 32 texts make up the canon and actively spread the scriptures. Emergence of religious movements jainism, buddhism and. It prescribes a path of nonviolence to progress the soul to this ultimate goal. Acarya tulsi was leader of the sect of svetambara terapanthins until 1997 and was succeeded by acarya mahaprajna until 2010.

The digambara sect believes that following a vast famine in 350 bce when many monks died, the original texts were also lost, whereas the svetambara sect whilst acknowledging that the purvas texts were lost believes that the majority of the texts survived in the form that we have today. Introduction to world religions dantesdsst 20 terms. Here is a deeper look into what the differences are and what defines svetambaras. Jainism became prominent religion in india at the time of mahavira, who was born in about 599 b. Despite, both have different views when it comes to scriptures, liberation, dress, the birth of mahavira etc. Tattvarthasutra post canonical is one text that is accepted by all the sects of jainism. The worship of the books of wisdom jnanapuja was a central activity in temple ritual. The reason for the emergence of both buddhism and jainism is the same.

Terapanth is another reformist religious sect under svetambara jainism. This is one of the most important differences between the two groups in jainism, and it means that jain texts have very different roles for the two groups of jains. History of jainism is the history of a religion founded in ancient india. What is the difference between svetambara and digambara in jainism. But the basic message and teachings remains the same. The digambara sect of jainism rejects the texts and canonical literature of the svetambara sect.

The digambara and svetambara sects interpret the notion of the divine sound differently. These texts are the holy scriptures of the jain religion. This sect worships idols through symbolic offerings and adornment. It is not an offshoot of any other religion but is an independent religion recognized by these various names during different time periods. Texts of jainism based on the discourses of the tirthankara. Notes on modern jainism, with special reference to the. Principles ratnatraya, code of morals, equality samana, ahimsa. Notes on modern jainism, with special reference to the svetambara, digambara and sthanakavasi sects sinclair stevenson on. The texts, transmitted orally by jain monks, are believed to have been largely lost by about the 1st century ce when the remaining were first written down in the svetambara tradition. Jainism in world religions the morning sri lanka news. Emergence of religious movements jainism, buddhism and other sects.

Jainism dharmic religions wiki fandom powered by wikia. Jainism is also a polytheistic religion and its goals are based on nonviolence and liberation the soul. The svetambara believe that the drstivada was lost to memory, but that its essence was saved in the angabahya. Acharya rajendrasuri 18261906 was a major reformer of the 18th and 19th century in the svetambara sect of jainism. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. The agam sutras show great reverence for all forms of life and strict codes of vegetarianism, asceticism, nonviolence, and opposition to war. Jains trace their history through twentyfour tirthankara and revere rishabhanatha as the first tirthankara in the present timecycle. The svetambara sect was divided into different orders. Dundas looks at jainism in its social and doctrinal context, explaining its history, sects, scriptures and ritual, and describing how the jains have, over 2500 years, defined themselves as a unique religious community. Find here a list of selected books on the various aspects of jainism, jain history, jaina philosophy, practices, values and beliefs, thirthankaras, life and teachings of mahavira and jaina tradition. Formerly, it was thought that jainism was a branch either of buddhism or of hinduism. These are further divided into different subsects and traditions. Nuns of both groups are clothed digambara monks are not allowed any possessions, not even begging bowls and so can only receive gifts in their cupped hands.

Sthanakavasis reject all but thirtytwo of the svetambara canon. The aim of jain life is to achieve liberation of the soul. Jainism is an indian religion that emphasizes complete nonviolence and asceticism. This is especially true of the 24th jina, mahavira. Unlike monotheistic traditions, the jains do not have a unique holy book that. The holy book of jainism is a collection of texts known as agam literature or the agam sutras.

Jain ascetic sects and schools jain scriptures ecology and spirituality in. Digambara sky clad most conservative sect of jainism no. Buddhism is a polytheistic religion and its main goal is to gain enlightenment. For the svetambara sect, as for all jains, the jinas are the ultimate source of. Originating as heterodox sect in the sixth century bc it has added considerably to the development of indian thought and culture while maintaining to this day its distinct identity and philosophy as a religion par excellence of. Jainism pronounced, also called jain dharma is an ancient dharmic religion from india that prescribes a path of nonviolence for all forms of living beings in this world. The indian religion of jainism, whose central tenet involves nonviolence to all creatures, is one of the worlds oldest and leastunderstood faiths. Jainism is an eastern religion with origins in the indus river valley dating back to 3000 b. Scripture is the synonym of the holy text, which consists of religious dogmas, and. The jain religion was also known as shraman dharma, nirgranth dharma, etc.