Jain believers/followers are taught that Jainism has always been around and that it will always be around. Here is a list of some of the beliefs:
Jainism is a belief that one needs to have absolute control over the mind and body. The goal is to teach the follower to be liberated from the negative effects that their thoughts, words and actions can have on their lives. The follower can achieve this by following the triple gems of Jainism
The right view - seeking to view reality correctly
The right knowledge - finding the true meaning of reality
The right conduct - applying the knowledge acquired into one’s life
Every creature is divine and every human has the potential to become divine
Karma. Unlike the Hindu belief it is something material. It is a reaction to something that is taking place. The reading gives the example of gravity acting on a falling object.
Here are some of the ethics followed by Jainism:
Non-violence - This is a blanket statement/belief to all living things. One should minimize violence, be it intentional or unintentional, to all living things.
Truthfulness - Speak the truth, but with tact. Be constructive and not destructive in word and thought
Non-stealing - Be honest in your dealings with your fellow man. Always be fair in all things
Jain followers participate in festivals and have traditions as many religions do. Some of the festivals are:
Diwali - A celebration of the new moon day of Kartik.
Mahavir Jayant - This is a birthday celebration for Mahavir.
Some traditions/practices are:
Fasting - There are a few ways to fast. Not eating or drinking for a period, minimal eating as to avoid hunger, limiting what you eat and abstaining from your favorite foods.
Jain monks will sweep the ground in front of them as they walk in order to ensure they do not harm any smaller living creature as they walk.
Prayer - There is preparation before prayer. One bathes in order to cleanse the body. Saffron paste or sandal paste is applied to certain spots on their body to assist in meditation. There are many other things that can be done in order to prepare one’s self for prayer.
Vegetarianism -
Jainism believes in non-violence. This belief applies to all aspects of life, including food choice. They do not consume root vegetables due to their harvesting would end the life of the plant. They also do not consume root vegetables due to their interaction with the soil and the nutrients they provide to the soil. It goes without saying that they do not consume animals.
The Jainism belief differs from that presented in Why I Don’t Eat Faces. It differs due to the emotional and neurological aspects. This reading argues that we have imbedded into our brains something that triggers our not wanting/needing to kill and eat something. This is due to our having sympathy for the animal and their ability to feel and express pain.
Personal Reflection -
I respect this point of view however, I do not agree with it. I believe that animals serve a purpose for human consumption. I do not agree with abusing this privilege. Every time I see a trailer transporting pigs or cattle I always think that there could be a better way to transport them but they sure do taste good. As stated in the reading, it is purely a choice. I will continue to chose to eat meat and all its juiciness. It tastes too good to let go.
