Symbols Of Jainism
Symbols
The main emblem of the Jain religion was decided upon in 1974 on the 25000th anniversary of the nirvana of Mahavira, the last Jain Tirthankara. The emblem is a composition of many different symbols, all with specific meanings. The emblem’s outline represents the universe and can be divided into the three parts with the upper part representing Devlok, the heavens, the middle part representing Manushyalok, the Earth and planets, and the lower part representing Naraki, the seven hells. The curved arc at the top of the emblem represents Siddhashila, which is where the Siddhas, or the liberated souls go to rest. The dot represents a Siddha. The three dots below the curved arc represent the three jewels of Jainism: “Samyak Darshan (Right …show more content…
They believe in peace among all beings and try to do as much as they can to reduce suffering. They are staunch animal rights supporters and therefore strict vegetarians who also abstain from some root vegetables and fruits due to the fact that it would cause a disruption in their ecosystems. Anekantavada means multiplicity of views. It is one of the most important tenets of Jainism because reminds Jains to be open minded and remember that there are many ways to the truth. Because of this, Jains are accepting of all faiths because they believe that they all have some variation of the truth in their doctrine. Aparigraha means non-possessiveness. Jains are not supposed to be greedy or covet things that do not belong to them as material desires will not bring them any further to their goal of attaining moksha. Satya refers to truthfulness. Jains are required to not gossip, tell lies, hide the truth, or participate in dishonest activities as it distracts from their true purpose. Asteya is non stealing, meaning Jains should not steal or take what does not belong to them. Brahmacharya refers to chastity. Monks are required to take total vows of chastity, which includes not only physical pleasures but sensual thoughts as well. Laypeople can take vows of chastity or they can choose to confine sex to marriage. All of these virtues and tenets are in place to help the Jain achieve perfection of soul and become a
The main emblem of the Jain religion was decided upon in 1974 on the 25000th anniversary of the nirvana of Mahavira, the last Jain Tirthankara. The emblem is a composition of many different symbols, all with specific meanings. The emblem’s outline represents the universe and can be divided into the three parts with the upper part representing Devlok, the heavens, the middle part representing Manushyalok, the Earth and planets, and the lower part representing Naraki, the seven hells. The curved arc at the top of the emblem represents Siddhashila, which is where the Siddhas, or the liberated souls go to rest. The dot represents a Siddha. The three dots below the curved arc represent the three jewels of Jainism: “Samyak Darshan (Right …show more content…
They believe in peace among all beings and try to do as much as they can to reduce suffering. They are staunch animal rights supporters and therefore strict vegetarians who also abstain from some root vegetables and fruits due to the fact that it would cause a disruption in their ecosystems. Anekantavada means multiplicity of views. It is one of the most important tenets of Jainism because reminds Jains to be open minded and remember that there are many ways to the truth. Because of this, Jains are accepting of all faiths because they believe that they all have some variation of the truth in their doctrine. Aparigraha means non-possessiveness. Jains are not supposed to be greedy or covet things that do not belong to them as material desires will not bring them any further to their goal of attaining moksha. Satya refers to truthfulness. Jains are required to not gossip, tell lies, hide the truth, or participate in dishonest activities as it distracts from their true purpose. Asteya is non stealing, meaning Jains should not steal or take what does not belong to them. Brahmacharya refers to chastity. Monks are required to take total vows of chastity, which includes not only physical pleasures but sensual thoughts as well. Laypeople can take vows of chastity or they can choose to confine sex to marriage. All of these virtues and tenets are in place to help the Jain achieve perfection of soul and become a