Page 27 - Perceptions papers

forms of life that populate the sky, earth, air, water, and are present all around us. Another

aspect of compassion, is the large-scale charitable activities. The heart of Jainism is its focus on

serving and helping humanity, and indeed, all forms of life. There are nine punyas (good karma)

in Jainism, some of which are anna daan (donation of food), jal daan (donation of water), vastra

daan (donation of clothes) and so on. In temple, will find many donation boxes, including one

marked pashu daan, for the welfare of animals."

After Life and After Death Jainism’s symbol was adopted in 1975 while

commemorating 2500 anniversary of Lord Mahavira. It shows swastika

and Jain Hand. The mantra at the bottom means “Live and Let Live”. The

outline of the symbol is defined as the universe. The upper portion

indicates Heaven; middle portion, material world containing Earth and

other planets; and the lower portion, seven hells. The overall symbol

depicts the belief that living beings of all three worlds (heaven, hell and

earth) suffer from miseries of trans-migratory existence. They can follow the path of true religion,

which is Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct as expounded by Tirthankaras or

prophets. The Jaina emblem replaces swastika with OM because western world does not view

swastika as a pious religious symbol.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we would like to say that Jainism’s ultimate aim is to attain

nirvana, and end cycles of birth and deaths.

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