One of the most startling facts of the film was that human violence in the 20th century has accounted for more than 100 million humans' deaths. Beyond that, billions of animals have suffered cruel deaths, and lived miserable, painful lives. These animals are treated horribly and are often in constant pain, until they are slaughtered for human consumption. Human beings, as a whole, have viewed the world's resources and animals as disposable commodities.
Yet Jainism, one of the worlds oldest religions, has a core set of beliefs that is diametrically opposed to these established normative values. Jainism is a nontheistic religion, over 3000 years old. It was founded in India, sometime around the 6th century BC. It provides an extremely passionate way to live life for its 7 million+ followers. Jainism teaches an ethical philosophy of non-violence, which is called ahimsa. It is the first and last principle of Jainism and transcends all others. Its core doctrine is refraining from causing harm to other living beings. Another way of viewing this, is that you should have compassion for everything. You, as a human, are not in a privileged position above anything else. Furthermore, another key aspect of Jainism is that its practitioners do not worship supernatural deities. In the film, during the 8th-9th century, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks came together to carve the Ellora caves.These caves were a tribute to non-violence practices of the three religions. While the Buddhist and Hindu carvings focused on Gods and Goddesses, the Jain carvings focused on real human beings. Also, Jains acknowledge the suffering in human evolution. In doing so they choose to focus on the human capacity to surpass violence and human contraindication, versus directly intervene in affairs. The Jains believe life is eternal. They believe all living souls have the potential for enlightenment and immortality. Humans can achieve enlightenment and immortality if they act responsible and with compassion during life. The Jains revere 24 sages, whom they believe have achieved Kevala Jnana, or absolute knowledge. Practicing members try and live their lives as close to these sages as possible. Mahavira, a contemporary of Buddha, is the last of these 24 sages.
By aiming to emulate these ancient teachers, one would assume the Jains would be as far removed from society as possible. Yet, the exact opposite is true. The Jains have become extremely successful, while maintaining their philanthropic values, in the heart of urban areas. Since a rural life would inevitably focus on the exploitation of animal labor, the Jains are predominantly found in cities. Aminabad, for instance, is a large Jain hub. Jains are often seen buying animals that would otherwise be used as food and take them to one of their many animal sanctuaries. Since Jains believe animals have souls, they help the animals, nursing them back to health. Also, even though much of India is in poverty, the Jains are extremely charitable and donate large sums of money to help people and animals.
Another aspect of Jainism I would be remiss to not mention is their eating habits. All Jains are vegetarians. They make up less than 1% of the total population in India and live a life of strict dietary maxims. One of the edicts is that they can't impose on anything with more than one sense. Jainism strictly forbid consumption of animals, insects and even some plants.To eat them hinders one's own development. The logic behind this is that food is plentiful, and humans have a moral choice in deciding what to eat. Jains feel we should interact with the world through minimal amounts of violence. The last aspect of Jainism I'll mention is the two dominant sects. The Svetambara, (Sanskrit: "White-robed," or "White-clad) Monks and Nuns walk barefoot their entire lives and travel from town to town. They are dependent on lay followers as they can't cook for themselves. They do not worship animals and nature, since they are viewed as a form of interference. They simply spread the message of peace. Digambara (meaning sky clad) monks are most recognizable for their total nudity. They eat only once a day, at one house and are extremely limited in what they are allowed to carry with them. The two sects agree on most aspects of Jainism, with a few differences related to the spiritual status of women, and scriptures. Overall, this is a great film that helps highlight some of the key principles of this little-known, but amazing religion!
Yet Jainism, one of the worlds oldest religions, has a core set of beliefs that is diametrically opposed to these established normative values. Jainism is a nontheistic religion, over 3000 years old. It was founded in India, sometime around the 6th century BC. It provides an extremely passionate way to live life for its 7 million+ followers. Jainism teaches an ethical philosophy of non-violence, which is called ahimsa. It is the first and last principle of Jainism and transcends all others. Its core doctrine is refraining from causing harm to other living beings. Another way of viewing this, is that you should have compassion for everything. You, as a human, are not in a privileged position above anything else. Furthermore, another key aspect of Jainism is that its practitioners do not worship supernatural deities. In the film, during the 8th-9th century, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks came together to carve the Ellora caves.These caves were a tribute to non-violence practices of the three religions. While the Buddhist and Hindu carvings focused on Gods and Goddesses, the Jain carvings focused on real human beings. Also, Jains acknowledge the suffering in human evolution. In doing so they choose to focus on the human capacity to surpass violence and human contraindication, versus directly intervene in affairs. The Jains believe life is eternal. They believe all living souls have the potential for enlightenment and immortality. Humans can achieve enlightenment and immortality if they act responsible and with compassion during life. The Jains revere 24 sages, whom they believe have achieved Kevala Jnana, or absolute knowledge. Practicing members try and live their lives as close to these sages as possible. Mahavira, a contemporary of Buddha, is the last of these 24 sages.
By aiming to emulate these ancient teachers, one would assume the Jains would be as far removed from society as possible. Yet, the exact opposite is true. The Jains have become extremely successful, while maintaining their philanthropic values, in the heart of urban areas. Since a rural life would inevitably focus on the exploitation of animal labor, the Jains are predominantly found in cities. Aminabad, for instance, is a large Jain hub. Jains are often seen buying animals that would otherwise be used as food and take them to one of their many animal sanctuaries. Since Jains believe animals have souls, they help the animals, nursing them back to health. Also, even though much of India is in poverty, the Jains are extremely charitable and donate large sums of money to help people and animals.
Another aspect of Jainism I would be remiss to not mention is their eating habits. All Jains are vegetarians. They make up less than 1% of the total population in India and live a life of strict dietary maxims. One of the edicts is that they can't impose on anything with more than one sense. Jainism strictly forbid consumption of animals, insects and even some plants.To eat them hinders one's own development. The logic behind this is that food is plentiful, and humans have a moral choice in deciding what to eat. Jains feel we should interact with the world through minimal amounts of violence. The last aspect of Jainism I'll mention is the two dominant sects. The Svetambara, (Sanskrit: "White-robed," or "White-clad) Monks and Nuns walk barefoot their entire lives and travel from town to town. They are dependent on lay followers as they can't cook for themselves. They do not worship animals and nature, since they are viewed as a form of interference. They simply spread the message of peace. Digambara (meaning sky clad) monks are most recognizable for their total nudity. They eat only once a day, at one house and are extremely limited in what they are allowed to carry with them. The two sects agree on most aspects of Jainism, with a few differences related to the spiritual status of women, and scriptures. Overall, this is a great film that helps highlight some of the key principles of this little-known, but amazing religion!
