Jainism

Introduction

- Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world. The name comes from jiva (soul or life
force but, capitalized, is also given as Spiritual Conqueror) as it maintains that all living
things possess an immortal soul which has always and will always exist and this soul may
be liberated from suffering by adhering to Jain tenets.
- According to Jainism, each and every living being, however small and seemingly
insignificant in the drama of existence, possesses an eternal consciousness (called
“jiva”) that is pure and inherently blissful. The Jain path seeks to awaken us to this
jiva-consciousness and to our embeddedness in a world of conscious beings who yearn
and suffer as we do.
- It is a nontheistic religion in that it does not advocate a belief in a creator god but in
higher beings (devas), which are mortal, and in the concept of karma directing one's
present life and future incarnations.
- The three guiding principles of Jainism, the 'three jewels', are right belief, right
knowledge and right conduct.
- The supreme principle of Jain living is non violence (ahimsa). Jainism teaches that all
living beings are equal and should be treated with respect. Jains believe that violence is
never justified, no matter what the circumstances.
- According to Jain thought, the basic constituents of reality are souls (jiva), matter
(pudgala), motion (dharma), rest (adharma), space (akasa), and time (kala).
- According to its own traditions, the teachings of Jainism are eternal, and hence have no
founder; however, the Jainism of this age can be traced back to Mahavira, a teacher of the
sixth century BCE, a contemporary of the Buddha.

Basic Principles of Jainism

1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
- Non-violence, or Ahimsa, holds a paramount position in Jainism, serving as its
foundational principle. It emphasizes refraining from causing harm, whether
 physical, emotional, or mental, to any living being. Jain teachings stress the
equality of all living beings, advocating for a harmonious coexistence where
every creature, regardless of its form or size, deserves respect and compassion.
- Ahimsa isn't merely about abstaining from violence; it's rooted in universal love
and empathy. Those guided by this principle are deeply attuned to the suffering of
others and strive to alleviate it.
- Jainism acknowledges the practical challenges of completely avoiding harm,
especially in everyday activities like breathing or consuming food. However, it
advocates for minimizing harm to the lowest forms of life as much as possible.
- Jain classification of living beings is based on the number of senses they possess,
ranging from those with five senses, such as humans and animals, to those with
just one sense, like plants. Killing beings with more senses is considered more
detrimental, hence the emphasis on vegetarianism as a means of reducing harm.
- Furthermore, Jainism emphasizes that violence is not solely defined by physical
harm but also by intention, lack of compassion, and ignorance. Non-violence is
not only observed in actions but also in speech and thoughts. Practitioners are
urged to cultivate a mindset devoid of violence in any form, promoting peace and
harmony in all aspects of life.

2. Satya (Truth)
- In Jainism, truth, or Satya, is regarded as crucial for moral integrity. It's believed
that negative emotions like anger, greed, and fear often lead to falsehood.
Speaking truthfully requires moral courage and inner mastery over these negative
tendencies.
- Jain teachings emphasize not only refraining from lies but also consistently
speaking truth that is both beneficial and kind. However, if speaking the truth
might cause harm or suffering to others, silence is preferred.
- Observing truth extends beyond speech to encompass one's thoughts and actions.
Jainism teaches that one should avoid falsehood in all aspects of life and refrain
from encouraging or endorsing dishonest behavior.
3. Asteya (Non-Stealing)
- In Jainism, stealing is defined as taking someone else's property without their
consent or by dishonest means. It also includes refraining from taking anything
that doesn't rightfully belong to oneself, even if it's unattended or unclaimed. This
vow is to be strictly followed, avoiding even the slightest temptation to take what
isn't rightfully owned.
- Furthermore, when receiving assistance or donations, one should only accept what
is necessary for their sustenance. Taking more than what is essential is also
considered a form of theft in Jainism.
- The principle of non-stealing extends beyond actions to encompass thoughts and
speech. Practitioners are urged to uphold honesty in all aspects of life, refraining
from stealing, encouraging others to steal, or condoning such behavior.

4. Brahmacharya (Chastity)
- Celibacy in Jainism entails complete abstention from all forms of sensual pleasure
and enjoyment of the five senses. Sensual pleasure is seen as a potent force that
can overpower virtues and rationality when indulged in. Upholding this vow
requires great diligence, as even thoughts of sensual pleasures are considered
inappropriate.
- For monks, strict adherence to celibacy is mandatory, encompassing refraining
from indulging in sensual pleasures and enjoying any form of sensory
gratification. They are also prohibited from encouraging others to engage in such
activities or approving of them.
- Householders are also expected to observe celibacy within the bounds of their
marital relationship. They should restrict physical intimacy to their spouse alone
and maintain a limited scope in their interactions.
 5. Aparigraha (Non-Attachment)
- Jainism teaches that the accumulation of worldly wealth often leads to sinful
actions in acquiring and maintaining possessions, ultimately resulting in
unhappiness. Material possessions foster attachments that breed negative qualities
like greed, jealousy, selfishness, and hatred. Lord Mahavir emphasized that
desires are insatiable, leading to perpetual dissatisfaction.
- Attachment to worldly objects perpetuates the cycle of birth and death, hindering
spiritual liberation. Therefore, those seeking spiritual freedom must detach
themselves from the allure of sensory pleasures.
- Monks exemplify this vow by renouncing attachments to material possessions,
relationships, sensory pleasures, and emotional feelings. They cultivate
equanimity towards sensory stimuli and prioritize survival over indulgence in
taste sensations. Non-possession and non-attachment are integral to speech,
thoughts, and actions, with adherence to these principles in all aspects of life.

Linking Positive Psychology to Jainism

1. Interpersonal Relationships
- Ahimsa, or non-violence, extends not only to refraining from physical harm or killing but
also from causing any form of pain or suffering, whether physical or psychological, to all
living beings. By practicing Ahimsa, individuals acknowledge and respect the
individuality, ideas, virtues, and knowledge of others, thereby fostering positive
interpersonal relationships. Similarly, the observance of the second vow, refraining from
falsehood, and the third vow, refraining from theft, contribute to building trust and
self-control. Trust that is nurtured through these vows serves as a foundation for positive
interpersonal relationships.
- Positive psychology promotes empathy, compassion, and kindness as essential
components of well-being.

2. Meditation
- Kausagga implies the idea of a particular bodily posture to be adopted in keeping oneself
unmoved at a suitable spot. Samayika and Pratikamana means maintenance of a
balanced state of mind with regard to all blameworthy action, passions and hatred.
- Positive psychology promotes mindfulness as a way to increase self-awareness, reduce
stress, and enhance well-being.

3. Self- Control
- In Jainism, self-control is synonymous with asceticism and detachment. The goal is
spiritual liberation, achieved by reducing desires and attachments to attain inner purity
and distance from material cravings. This involves rigorous practices like fasting,
meditation, and adherence to ethical principles, all aimed at transcending worldly desires
and reaching spiritual enlightenment.
- Positive psychology highlights self-control as vital for personal goals and resilience. It
involves consciously regulating impulses and emotions to make decisions that align with
long-term aspirations. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation and goal-setting help
cultivate self-control, empowering individuals to manage their thoughts, emotions, and
behaviors effectively. Enhanced self-control leads to greater psychological well-being
and equips individuals to navigate life's challenges, ultimately leading to increased
fulfillment and success.