Veronica Ligonde Prof.

Francisco Castillo Rel 2300

Exam III Questions

1. Summarize and elucidate Jainism, its history, practice, cosmology, and ethics. Briefly outline and discuss the different branches of Jainism. Jainism is one of the many religions found in India that is based on teaching civility and finding your inner peace while respectively using your natural resources. Much like Hinduism, Jainism cannot be pin pointed by a single founder. Their version of prophets, known as Tirthankara,have reached their highest level of teaching, and in return teaches followers what he has gained from experience so they too can be fulfilled and reach moksha, or liberation. With little proof to their actual existence, there has been said to have been at least twenty-four Tirthankaras in what they call the present age. Depending on the time they live, the teachings of the Tirthankar may be different to suit the cultural happenings of life at the time.The general direction of the teaching is based on three principles: right faith, right knowledge and right action.

The belief that there was no beginning and that there will be no end is common with Jainist. Accordingly, there are seven layers of the world: Supreme Abode (top of universe, where liberated souls exist), Upper World, Middle World (Earth), Nether World, Nigoda, Universe Space, and Space Beyond (infinite volume without motion or rest). Like Buddhist and Hindus, Jainist practice Karma, but unlike the other two, Jainist believes that all Karma is bad. Likewise, they follow five principles that are about as essential as the Christian Ten Commandments: Ahimsa: nonviolence; Satya: speaking only the truth; Asteya: to not steal; Brahma-charya: only involving one self in sexual relations with their spouse; and Aparigraha: not indulging in material things. They have a vegetarian diet of which they are not permitted to consume any product of which a plant or animal had to be killed for consumption. Jains are divided into two groups of how they live, one being Digambaragas, where the monks refuse clothing even if they are to be seen in public, the other is Shvetambaras, in which monks where white robes. Digambaras is a stage which only men can possess; on the other hand, both men and women can become Shvetambaras. They come to worship at stone temples or in their own homes where they have shrines that resemble the temple. During their worship, they chant mantras and may ask deities for their assistance. Chanting is also considered their form of meditation, one in particular, the Five Homages are said to be recited by most Jainist every morning. Some of their common mantras are for protection against evil, bring good fortune and to keep themselves in good health.

2. Discuss and explain the religious background of Sikhism. How did this religion come about? Explain the two major influences on Sikhism and state the factors that may have helped in the development of this religion. Include in your answer the life teachings and worldview of the founder of Sikhism.

Sikhism may be one of the fairly newer religions, but it also ranks as the fifth largest religion in the world. Founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century inwhat is present day Pakistan, it was a powerful revelation that led him to believe that there is but one God beyond all misconceptions.Although he was raised in a Hindu family, and grew up with both Hindu and Muslim friends, his revelation led him to find new meaning in his spirituality and to spread this new found word. Nanak traveled across India learning about other religions, teaching his message of eliminating rituals, pilgrimages and ceremonies and seeking out disciples. Depending on which scholar one is reading upon, it is common to find those who believe that Guru Nanak combined Islam and Hinduism to form his own religion. Sikhs themselves reject this idea and believe that their religion was formed out of divine intervention from Guru Nanak and his successors. Nanak grew up not liking the distinction between Hindu and Muslim men and he also realized the selfishness that came from everyday life. He witnessed tyrannical Muslim rulers and the decadence of Hindus. Sikhs follow the teachings of the ten Gurus of which six wrote their holy book known as the Adi Grant. Each of the gurus had some life experience to add to their teaching, making it a significant part of Sikh history. The religion is based on purification and overcoming the five

evils of life: greed, anger, false pride, lust and attachments to material objects.At the end of one s life, their character is balanced and it determines their future being once they are reincarnated. The soul is said to develop as it passes through many incarnations until it is united with God. Your duties as a Sikh involves:Nam Japna(keep God in mind at all times), KirtKarna(earning an honest living), and VandChhakna(sharing one s earnings with others).

MLA Citing

Cline, Austin. Sikh History: Development of a World Religion. About.com. Nd. Web, 1 Aug. 2011. http://www.atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/sikh/blfaq_sikh_history.htm

Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the Worlds Religion: Tradition, Challenge and Change. 5th Edition. Hill, McGraw. 2010

Religion Facts.Jainism, 2010.Web. 2 Aug. 2011

http://www.religionfacts.com/jainism/index.htm