Page 24 - Perceptions papers

have been translated into many present day languages. Since Jainism discourages material

possessions, even holy scriptures, most knowledge was transferred orally for centuries. Around

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500 CE, almost one thousand years after 24 prophet Lord Mahavira’s Nirvana, Jain monks
decided to document all this literature in writing. From that time, Jainism has two major sects,

Digambar (skyclad) and Swetamber (white cloth clad). It is not clear whether there are 33, 59 or

102 such agams.

Universe has no Beginning and no End: According to Jainism, universe has no beginning,

and it has no end. Civilizations come and go on planet earth. We are living in the Sixth

civilization which too, will end, may be, after millions of years.

Prophets: Most religions have one prophet but Jainism has 24, who are called tirthankaras.

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The first tirthankara was Rishabhdev who was born around 3,000 BCE. Jainism’s 24
tirthankara was Lord Mahavira who was born around 600 BCE and was a contemporary of

Shakyamani Buddha. Since all tirthankaras were skyclad, they are identified by animals or

objects.

Heaven and Hell: The concept of heaven and hell is unique in Jainism. There are sixteen

levels of heavens, the highest of which is Moksha where the liberated souls reside. There are

seven levels of hell. Souls do not reside there forever; they return to earth to get rid of their

karmas.

Paryushana: Jainism’s holy week is called Paryushana which literally means monks at rest.

This occurs during the monsoon season. Jains recite from their holy scriptures Kalpa Sutra and

Tatvrat Sutra. Unlike many religions, Paryushana is a not a time for festivities and merry

making but for fasting. Many Jains fast up to eight days, living only on boiled water.

Pratikraman: On the last day of Paryushana, Jains have their annual prayer called

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