Jainism

•VARDHAMANA MAHAVIRA- The last and 24th

tirthankara of the Jainas, also spread his message
around this time ie 2500 years ago.
•He was a kshatriya prince
•Of the LICHCHHAVIS ( a
•Group that was the part of
•Vajji Sangha.
•At the age of thirt he left
•Home, went to live in forest.
•For twelve years he led a hard lonely life, at the
end of which he attained enlightenment.
 Teachings of Vardhamana Mahavira
• He taught a simple doctrine
• Men and women who wished to know the truth
must leave their homes.
• They must follow very strictly the rules of ahimsa.
• Ordinary people can understand the teachings of
Mahavira used prakrit language.
• There are several forms of prakrit in different parts
and named after their regions Eg;- Magadhi
 Life of followers of Jainism
• Digambar and shwetambar
• Followers of Mahavira known
as Jainas,had to live very simple
Life.
• Begging for food, absolutely honest, and not to steal.
• They had to observe celibacy.
• Men had to give up everything including their
clothes.
• It was very difficult for men and women to follow
these strict rules.
• Thousands left their homes to learn and teach this
new way of life and became monks and nun.
• Many others remained behind them and supported
them by giving food and shelter.
• Mainly supported by traders, for farmers it was
difficult to follow the rules.
• Over hundreds of years Jainism spreads to different
parts of north india and also to Gujarat, TN, and
Karnatka.
• Earlier it was transmitted orally but later on it was
written down and are presenty available at a place
called Vallabhi in Gujarat about 1500 years ago.
 The Sangha
• Both the Mahavira and the Buddha felt that only
those who left their homes could gain true
knowledge.
• They arranged for them to stay together in the sangha
an association those who left their homes.
• VINAYA PITAKA
• Separate branches for men and women.
All men could join the sangha
• Children-------parents
• Slaves-------masters
• Workers-------king
• Debtors-------Creditors.
• Women---------Husbands
• They meditated for most of the time, went to cities and villages
to beg for food during fixed hours.
• Bhikkhus and bhikkhunis…They taught others and helped one
another.
• They also held meetings to settle quarrels.
• Brahmins, kshatriyas,merchants,labourers,barbers, courtesans
and slaves.
• Many of them also composed poems and describe their life in
the sangha.
Monastries/Viharas
The system of ashramas (The stage of life)