Introduction
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion and one of the oldest surviving religions, having existed in some form since the 6th century BCE. It is a religion that emphasizes non-violence, non-absolutism, and non-possessiveness. Jainism is based on the knowledge of Mahavira, a revered spiritual teacher who lived in the 6th century BCE.
The core of Jainism is the belief in ahimsa, whereby Jains believe that all living beings, comprising animals, plants, and microscopic organisms, have an inherent right to live and should be respected and treated compassionately. Therefore, that respect for life is the basis of Jain ethics. This essay will, therefore, discuss a Jainism documentary and its relation to classwork ideas.
The Jainism Documentary’s Main Point
The documentary provides a comprehensive look into the beliefs and practices of this ancient Indian religion. At the core of Jainism are the five core beliefs: non-absolutism, non-violence, non-attachment, non-possessiveness, and non-absolutism in knowledge. These core beliefs provide the foundation for the Jain notion of karma, which states that a person’s actions will determine the quality of their life (Publius4321). This notion of karma also shapes the four limbs of Jainism: right faith, knowledge, conduct, and austerity.
The documentary also examines the practice of non-violence in Jainism, which is seen as a way to cultivate compassion and respect for all living things (Publius4321). This practice is grounded in the belief that all living beings have an equal right to life and should be treated with respect and compassion. The documentary also discusses the 24 Tirthankaras, seen as spiritual teachers who have achieved enlightenment and a perfect understanding of the Jain faith. Additionally, the documentary explores the impact of Jainism on modern India and its relationship with other faiths. Jainism has a long history in India and is respected by many Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs, who often share the same core beliefs and concepts.
The Documentary’s Relation to Course Content
Furthermore, the documentary relates to the theories, ideas, and themes studied in class. For instance, the power of vulnerability discussed in the Ted Talk video by Judith Butler is a critical component of Jainism. Jains strive to break down the walls of egoism and surrender to their vulnerability to understand the interdependence between themselves and all other living beings. The documentary also discusses the importance of Samyaktva, which is the practice of equanimity. Jains attempt to cultivate a sense of equanimity to eliminate attachment and aversion.
Lastly, the concept of Jiva Daya, which is the practice of compassion, empathy, and charity, is also highlighted in the documentary. Jains try to practice these virtues to cultivate a sense of connection to all living beings. This concept is centered on the principle of ahimsa, the ancient Indian belief in non-violence and not causing any harm to any living creature. Jains believe practicing Jiva Daya’s concept can cultivate peace and harmony with all living beings (Publius4321). This practice is encouraged by Jain teachings, which focus on embracing non-violence, truth, and a commitment to self-improvement.
Conclusion
This documentary provides a comprehensive overview of Jainism, its beliefs and practices, and its impact on modern India. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to learn more about this ancient religion and its role in Indian culture. Additionally, the documentary Jainism relates to many of the theories, ideas, and themes discussed in class. Through the documentary, one gains insight into how Jains strive to live a life based on non-violence, compassion, self-discipline, and interdependence.
Work Cited
Publius4321. “Jainism 1/5.” YouTube. 2010. Web.