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CHAPTER 5: Jainism
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter, the student should be able to:
• Describe the ascetic ideals of Jainism from Brahmanism and explain why alternatives in
Hinduism took hold in Indian religious culture.
Chapter Summary
Jainism is one of two religions to emerge from Hinduism in seeking an alternative answer
to the central problem of release from karma and the continual round of rebirth entailed by it. It
is mainly confined to India and was started by Mahavira a member of the nobility who was not
alone in his reluctance to embrace the monistic idealism at the core of Hinduism. The history of
Mahavira’s life is related in the Shvetambara scriptures including the joining of an ascetic order,
his travels with Goshala, the meticulous practice of Ahimsa, rigorous asceticism, his indifference
to abuse, and finally his attainment of Nirvana.
Chapter Outline
I. Introduction
II. Mahavira’s Manner of Life
A. Joining an Ascetic Order
III. Philosophy and Ethics of Jainism
A. Souls Permeated by Matter
B. Two-Tiered Pluralism
C. The Liberated Soul
D. No Transcendent Aid
Discussion Questions
1. Jainism and Buddhism emerged from early Hindu civilization with alternative answers to the
central problem of Indian life: how to find release from karma and rebirth. How did these
answers differ? What was required of adherents to faithfully follow these different systems of
belief?