Chapter 06 – Guru Gautam-Swämi In 607 B.C., in the village of Gobar of India, a Brahmin couple called Vasubhuti and Prithvi Gautam (family name) had a son named Indrabhuti. He was tall and handsome. He had two younger brothers named Agnibhuti and Väyubhuti. All three were well versed in
Chapter 07 – Going To The Temple – Shvetämbar Tradition One can pray at anytime, anywhere. But a special sacred place, set-aside just for prayer, is the temple. Because it is a sacred place, there are special rules one should follow while in the temple. First of all, before you
Chapter 08 – Going To The Temple – Digambar Tradition Every idol-worshipping religion attaches great significance to Pujä of the idol and corresponding rituals. A person feels gratified and experiences great joy upon catching a glimpse of the idol, which he/she adores the most. The Six Daily Essentials Prescribed for
Chapter 09 – Jain Symbols Main Symbol This Jain Symbol is an arrangement of various symbols, each having a significant meaning. This symbol was adopted by all sects of Jainism while commemorating the 2500th anniversary of the nirvana of Lord Mahävir. The outline of the symbol represents the shape of
Chapter 10 – Dreams of Mother Trishalä Tirthankar Mahävir’s soul was a heavenly god in the tenth heaven before being born as Prince Vardhamän. At midnight on the sixth day of the bright half of Ashädh, his Äyushya Karma ended, and so did his life as a heavenly god (Dev).
Chapter 11 – What Is Dharma (Religion) May the entire universe attain bliss, May all beings be oriented to the interest of others, Let all faults be eliminated and May people be happy everywhere. Jain Verse May all persons be happy, May all be disease free, May all
Chapter 12 – Path of Liberation – Three Jewels The ultimate goal of all life and conduct in Jainism is to realize the free and blissful state of our true being. True philosophy should result in removing all bondage (karma) in the process of purifying the soul. The central theme
Chapter 13 – Four Realms If we look around us, we see not only men and women, boys and girls, but also cats, dogs, birds, bugs, plants, etc. These are various forms of living beings in this universe. At the same time every second, someone dies and someone is born.
Chapter 14 – Five Great Vows Right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct known as Ratna Traya, are the three essentials for attaining liberation. In order to acquire them, one must observe the five vows: The Vrata or vow is a specific code of conduct. In Jain scriptures dealing with
Chapter 15 – Application of Nonviolence (Ahinsä) Introduction Vegetarianism has been known for thousands of years as a principle of health and environmental ethics throughout India. It remains to this day a cardinal ethic of Jain thought and practices. Each form of life, even water and trees possesses consciousness and
