Jainism

Question 1

According to our classroom discussion, “Jainism” is a Sanskrit word, which means what?

Answer 1

To conquer

Question 2

Rather than a traditional religion, Jainism is more of a what?

Answer 2

More of an ethical belief system concerned with morality

Question 3

Actions performed out of desire do what to one’s soul, according to Jain thinking?

Answer 3

Karma matter builds up and sinks the soul into the universe

Question 4

In class, we spoke of “Five Principles” or “Five Vows” of Jain monasticism. What are they?

Answer 4

1. Ahimsa— Protect ALL life
2. Satya— speak truth
3. Asteya— avoid theft, greed, exploitation
4. Aparigraha— detachment from material things
5. Brahmacharya— chastity

Question 5

What does Jainism believe about God?

Answer 5

Rejects any belief in a supreme god or deity

Question 6

What do the statues in Jain temples depict?

Answer 6

Tirthankaras

Question 7

The founder of Jainism was whom?

Answer 7

Vardhamana Mahavira

Question 8

What does the term “Digambara” mean?

Answer 8

“sky-clad”

Question 9

The founder of Jainism’s given name was “Nataputta,” but he was given a title by which he is commonly known. What does that title mean? And what does it imply about the founder?

Answer 9

“great hero”

Question 10

Jainism is a break off of what world religion?

Answer 10

Hinduism

Question 11

What are Jain trying to overcome?

Answer 11

Material needs

Question 12

According to tradition, the founder of Jainism died how?

Answer 12

Died in the town of Pawapuri

Question 13

Approximately when was Jainism founded

Answer 13

600 BCE

Question 14

What was the childhood of the founder of Jainism like?

Answer 14

Rich, pampered, ruling caste

Question 15

What significant religious figures lived around the same time as the founder of Jainism?

Answer 15

Confucius, Buddha, Zarathustra

Question 16

How old was the founder of Jainism when he began his quest for enlightenment? How old was he when he was actually enlightened?

Answer 16

Left at 30 years old, claims enlightenment at 42 years old

Question 17

What had recently happened that likely sent Mahavira into the practice of asceticism?

Answer 17

The death of his parents

Question 18

What Jain holiday expects you to confess sins/offenses, and seek forgiveness?

Answer 18

Kshamavani

Question 19

According to our classroom discussion, how popular is Jainism in the West?

Answer 19

Never really transitioned to the West

Question 20

Is Jainism an independent religion, completely separate from Hinduism; or simply a sub denomination of Hinduism?

Answer 20

Completely different from Hinduism

Question 21

When the founder of Jainism began his quest for enlightenment, what did he do about his hair?

Answer 21

Ripped it all out

Question 22

What are Tirthankaras and what do they do?

Answer 22

Help us get off the cosmic cycle, completely free from defects of human existence

Question 23

Who is the most important Jain Tirthankara?

Answer 23

Mahavira or Rishabhanatha

Question 24

What are the main denominations of Jainism

Answer 24

Digambaras and Svetambaras

Question 25

What are the Jain "ethical tools" that are used by practicing Jains to escape the wheel of transmigration?

Answer 25

1. Right knowledge 2. Right faith 3. Right conduct

Question 26

How old was the founder of Jainism when he died?

Answer 26

Died at 72

Question 27

What is the two-fold purpose of life in Jainism, according to what we discussed in class?

Answer 27

1. To renounce materialistic needs 2. Ahimsa-- never kill ANYTHING

Question 28

What is "mental ahimsa"?

Answer 28

Violent thoughts are just as bad or worse than violent actions

Question 29

What does the term "Svetambara" mean?

Answer 29

"white-clad"

Question 30

What is the major difference between the Jain and Hindu understandings of the nature of Nirvana?

Answer 30

Individuality is retained in Nirvana, after you die your soul still exists, continue to be you in the eternities

Question 31

Are Jains more inclined to "blue-collar" or "white-collar" jobs?

Answer 31

White-collared jobs to avoid harming animals

Question 32

In class we listed "5 principles" or "5 vows." What were they?

Answer 32

1. Ahimsa: protect ALL life 2. Satya: speak truth 3. Asteya: avoid theft, greed, exploitation 4. Aparigraha: detachment from material things 5. Brahmacharya: chastity

Question 33

What is the "official" Jain position on scripture?

Answer 33

Any text is really accepted

Question 34

In class we talked about four different kinds of scriptural text. What were they?

Answer 34

Literal, allusive, allegorical, mystical

Question 35

Who is the source of Jain scriptural texts?

Answer 35

Mahavira let out a "sacred sound" that contained all his teachings

Question 36

Which denominations of Jains walk around nude?

Answer 36

Digambaras

Question 37

What is the name of the Jain wedding canopy?

Answer 37

Mandapa

Question 38

Why do Jains not worship in their temples?

Answer 38

They don't believe in God

Question 39

According to our classroom discussion, what are the two most important holidays in Jainism?

Answer 39

Paryushan and Das Lakshan

Question 40

What is Paryushan?

Answer 40

Time for spiritual growth

Question 41

What does the swastika symbolize in Jainism?

Answer 41

"all is well"

Question 42

What does the hand symbolize in Jainism?

Answer 42

Do not use your hand for violence; stop and think before you act

Question 43

Why do many Jain temples often have sexual symbols as part of their architecture?

Answer 43

Reminder of chastity

Question 44

When Hindus see cows as symbols of the divine, what is the cow a symbol of in Jainism?

Answer 44

Symbolized independence, we take care of cow, cow provides for me

Question 45

What are elongated earlobes a symbol of in Jainism?

Answer 45

"supernatural status", wisdom

Question 46

How common is vegetarianism in Jainism?

Answer 46

Extremely common

Question 47

Why do observant Jains not eat root vegetables?

Answer 47

Cooperative existence, eating the root will kill the vegetable

Question 48

Why do many Jain monastics not eat after sunset?

Answer 48

Bacteria grows after sunset, avoid killing microorganisms

Question 49

Which Jain denomination is most accepting of women?

Answer 49

Svetambaras

Question 50

Which group of Jains wore a 3-piece robe?

Answer 50

Svetambaras

Question 51

How do they feel about the caste system?

Answer 51

Result from karma

Question 52

About how old was Jainism when it first split into denominations?

Answer 52

Split 4th and 3rd century BCE