Jainism Vocab Words

What does the Sanskrit word “Jainism” mean?

to conquer

when was jainism founded

6th century BCE

Jainism is a spinoff of what religious tradition?

hinduism

who was the founder of Jainism?

Vardhamana Mahvaira

How old was the founder of Jainism when he began his quest for truth and enlightenment?

30 years old

Upon enlightenment, Mahavira became known as a “Jina,” meaning what?

conqueror

What are “Tirthankaras” and how many of them are there? Which Tirthankara is the most important one for Jains living today?

divine teachers, 24, mahavir

Jainism teaches three “Ethical Tools” or “Jewels” that aid one’s release from the cycle of transmigration. What are those three “tools” or “jewels”?

Right knowledge, right faith, right conduct

Much like Jews (who marry under a chuppah), Jains are married under a canopy called a what?

mandap

According to our in-class discussion, what are the “Five Principles” or “Five Vows” of Jain Monasticism?

Ahimsa - protect all life, Satya - speak truth, Asteya - avoid theft, greed, exploitation, Aparigraha - detachment from material things, Brahmacharya - chastity

According to our in-class discussion, what “authority figures” does Jainism have? Who is the most important “authority figure” according to Jains?

Mahavira and Tirthankaras

According to our in-class discussion, how are Jains stricter in their vegetarianism (than traditional vegetarians)?

no root foods

What is the literal meaning of the Jain terms, “Digambara” and “Svetambara”?

Digambara - Sky-clad (monastic), Svetambara - White-robed (not required monastic)

tradition

agama

doctrine

siddhanta