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Jainism

One of the oldest religious traditions of India, Jainism has existed side by
side with Hinduism throughout its long history. With fewer than 5 million
adherents and comprising less than 1% the Indian population, Jainism has
demonstrated a remarkable tenacity and endurance and continues to exert
an influence far beyond its small numbers.

Jainism is a religion of extreme legalism, for one attains his own salvation
only through the path of asceticism (rigid self-denial). There is no freedom
in this religion, only rules, primarily the Five Great Vows, the renunciation
of:

1. Ahimsa - Non-Violence :
We do harm and violence to living-beings for the sustenance of our body. We cannot
live without killing living beings. Even our breathing involves violence. Therefore, we
have to restrict our violence to utmost and absolutely necessary. Therefore, meat-
eating, hunting, fishing etc. are forbidden. The strength of non-violence is the light of
intellectual discretion and mental purity. And with this strength, world of human
beings can become rich in friendliness, sympathy, love, spirituality, happiness and
bliss. Non-violence is a spiritual power.

2. Satya - Truth :
Truth is an important virtue in Jainism. A True Jain cannot be a liar. To tell a lie is
sin. To speak the truth which is wholesome and conducive to welfare is virtue. In
Acharāng Sutrā, it is said; “ O men, understand Truth rightly. The intelligent person,
who obeys the command of Truth, crosses death.” That is, he becomes immortal.

3. Asteya - Non-theft :
Employing unfair means of business, owning another man’s property by fraudulent
tricks, deceiving others by misleading them, breach of one’s confidence, damaging
others’ interest by cunningness- all these are vicious acts of theft- directly or
indirectly. Picking up of goods forgotten by others, employing thieves to get
something for you, encouraging and prompting others to steal, approving others’
acts of stealing, receiving stolen merchandise, using false weights and measures,
non-payment of tax, indulging in smuggling- all are acts of theft. Taking anything
owned by others, through injustice, dishonesty, fraud, and unfair means is an act of
theft.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Jainism/index.aspx
http://www.jainuniversity.org/PDFs/eng-lib/6.4.pdf
http://www.gotquestions.org/Jainism.html

4. Bramacharya - Vicious
Professions :
Gambling and speculations are never considered to be an honest business. It fosters
dishonesty and idleness. If someone gains in it, a number of persons are ruined.

5. Aparigraha - Limiting one’s


possessions :
Jain scriptures propound the vow of limiting one’s possessions. Renouncing
excessive luxury, inordinate worldly pleasures as also waste of wealth in many ways
can raise the standard of morality in the society. The objective of this vow is to limit
one’s possessions rather possessive instinct. One can live decent life in simple
means. It is sin to keep and collect which one cannot utilize during one’s lifetime.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Jainism/index.aspx
http://www.jainuniversity.org/PDFs/eng-lib/6.4.pdf
http://www.gotquestions.org/Jainism.html

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