Greetings to my Jain brethren from Sri Lanka. All major world religions be it Abrahamic or Dharmic seem to have their own versions of the apocalypse and a messianic figure who will arrive at the end of the days to redeem this world. For Jews and Christians it would be the Messiah/Second coming of Christ, for Muslims it would be the Mahdi and for Hindus and Buddhists it would be Kalki and Maitreya Buddha respectively. I'm interested in knowing the Jain beliefs regarding this phenomenon.

If Jains deny/reject the vedas then why in Jain marriages we see that pandit(Brahmin) reads mantra from ved??

I am a jain and i find learning gathas difficult I am on vanditu and I lose track since I am in 9th studies come in and i forget. Any tips guys?

I've noticed a few sadhus travel regularly such as Acharya Chandanaji, Lokesh Muni, and previously Sushil Kumar Muni.

Some may not consider them to be complete monks, but where do you draw the line in today's world? Prominent monks are using technology like microphones and forming large foundations. Some even have youtube channels.

As per Anekantvad, there is no one thing as right/wrong, everyone has their own way of looking at things and according to their viewpoint they choose what is right/wrong.

Lets take a kid for example, living alone in forest, he is not conditioned by any worldly laws or has any understanding of whats right /wrong. He is a product of nature, so functions accordingly. He might eat plants/ animals etc. He lives on. He wouldn't even have idea that his body is not permanent but his soul is.

Now according to us he is committing himsa of Animals, so he is wrong from our viewpoint. But he does what is needed at that moment, he doesn't think of killing animal is wrong. He is right from his viewpoint.
So according to the environment, the character is developed, and any person present there think/ behave accordingly. Things which I feel good might be considered bad by them and vice versa.

An example of a kid living in city, is conditioned by his parents/society/country. So he would follow what is taught as right/wrong to him. He wouldn't have this knowledge otherwise.

Considering the Shraddha towards Tirthankara as the truth,

• so should I be giving my advice(viewpoint) to the kid in the forest? If he doesn't want to follow it, should I persist on advising more. Should the advice be forced?
• Would it be like ekantvad then?
• In 5 Mahavraths, we have Sathya (Truth), how can it be defined in the context of Anekantvad? I feel like both the principles are contradicting in some way.
• When Sadhu/Sadhvi ji give advice, most of us just accept it without having a rational thought on it, to rationalize any advice is to ascend towards samyaktva, what should be done if we are not 100% convinced with their advice.
• Will the kid in forest accumulate paap karma due to his ignorance of knowledge towards killing animals, even though he feels he is right. Will the intensity of paap karma be same as anyone doing the same act knowingly with its implications? Now how would the paap karma accumulate if its the lion/tiger. Their nature is in a way that they have to kill another animal for their own survival, they are also right from their viewpoint. Where the forest kid has the ability to change his path of choosing non-violence but not the carnivore species, they wouldn't able to change the outcome atleast in this lifetime.

I understand the schism between Digambaras & Svetambaras, that Digambaras don’t think women can achieve liberation in a feminine body and that Svetambaras do… Yet why doesn’t either sect condone it? It seems ironic if both seek “liberation”; which entails divorcement from feeding the senses, freedom of shame and ultimately possession… If the soul is seeking ascension from all earthy/ bodily form… Why can’t a nun/ woman go skyclad? Why isn’t she encouraged to?

As a born Vedic Hindu, I find the teachings of Jainism to be very valid for the modern world. In a world, especially the west, which is growing disillusioned with abrahmic religions, a Non-theistic, rational and peace loving approach like Jainism could actually gain widespread acceptance.

Buddhism shares some basic tenets with Jainism and has gained a new found acceptance world over. It has managed to repackage and reinvent itself (Zen Buddhism, Secular Buddhism) etc.

We all know the historical reasons for why Jainism didn't spread as much as Buddhism or Vedic Hinduism. But what is stopping Jainism from proselytizing and gaining new converts? Otherwise in due course, it will just become a minority religion like Zoroastrianism.

Currently it's just restricted to very few specific communities/castes.

do jain texts support or oppose homosexuality and whether they represent same sex couples?

Hello all.

I'm a young woman, born and raised into Christianity. However, I never quite adapted to doctrines like the original sin, eternal damnation, and a "Good", almighty God who somehow does not save all human souls. Are points like these present in Jainism at all? Can some of you list more reasons to choose Jainism over Islam, or Catholicism, for example? Thank you.

Hello all, What is the exact procedure to shred Mohaniya Karma? Like while performing penance and austerity the mindset? (My souls virtue yathakyath charitra emerges is my goal) Do we need to set such intentions? Also will doing swadhya help shredding Mohaniya Karma or is it just for gyanavarniya karma?

Would really appreciate if someone can provide links/ resources for the exact procedure!

Ik 12 types of tapas etc but I wan something more detailed particular procedure on all levels (thoughts, words, deeds and actions)

Thanks

Hey guys,
I have recently heard that there are almost no swtambhar jains in Uttar Pradesh, but I am little doubtful.

Can someone please let me know if they know some gotras (like oswal, bohra etc) of Jains members present in Uttar Pradesh ?

Thanks

Akshaya Tritiya celebrated on Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya, marks the end of the first Tirthankara Bhagwan Rishabhdev's, year-long fast.

As we celebrate Akshaya Tritiya, may this day fill you with positivity and guide your thoughts and actions towards the path of dharma and moksha.

I’m interested in studying Jainism and I’d like to read the core texts and materials translated into English, with as little interpretation or dogmatic narrative altered or implemented from other guru’s as possible. Where might I find such authentic sources?

So Not a jain, just had a random question out of the blue about fornication in Jainism. How does Jainism view fornication ? I have a jain friend, we were talking about religion and stuff and apparently in my religion its strictly prohibited. They weren't able to answer my query. I tried looking it up online but didn't found anything. I am not aware of the books/book you follow.

And again no disrespect or anything, just a question out of curiosity.

Note: Based on the version of Padma Purana authored by Shri Ravishen Acharyaji in Sanskrit.

1. King Dashrath had 500 wives, out of which four were Patranis - Kaushalya (Aparajita), Sumitra, Kaikeyi and Suprabha.
2. Shri Ramchandraji was born  during the time period of the 20th tirthankar - Shri Munisuvratanatha Bhagwan. Shri Ram was born to Mata Kaushalya, Lakshman to Sumitra, Bharat to Kaikeyi and Shatrughan to Suprabha. 
3. Shri Ram was also known as King Padmnabhi. His royal court was named Vaijyanti.
4. In Sitaji ’s swayamvar, Shri Ram strung the bow Vajravarta.
5. Ram and Lakshman, in their previous births, were devas in the fifth and third swarga respectively. Ravana and Lakshman will be born as brothers named Arhadas and Rishidas  in the same house after their time in Narka.
6. Shri Ram’s age was 17000 years and Lakshman and Ravan lived for 12000 years. Ram was the 8th Balbhadra and Lakshman-Ravana were the Narayan and Prati-Narayan respectively.
7. According to the Padma Purana, Shri Ram had eight thousand  wives and was the lord of sixteen thousand countries, forty-eight crore villages, twenty-eight islands, forty-two lakh elephants, forty-two lakh chariots and nine crore horses.
8. Shri Ram’s brother Lakshman had 16000 wives and Bharat had 150 wives.
9. Sitaji had a brother named Bhamandal.
10. Shri Ram and Sita Mata’s sons - Lavan Kumar and Ankush Kumar were born on Shravan Shukla Purnima (Rakshabandhan).
11. Sati Sita lived in Vanvas three times during her lifetime - first with Shri Ram, then upon being exiled by Shri Ram and third time after her Aryika diksha.
12. Sitaji was in tapasya for 62 years, and 36 day salekhanna after which she became Pratindra in the 16th swarga.
13. Shri Hanuman was a Kamdev born to Sati Anjana. Shri Hanuman belonged to the Vaanar vansha, but was not a literal monkey.
14. Ravana’s parents were Raja Ratnashrava and Rani Kaikasi. His sister was named Chandranakha (not Shurpnakha). His brothers were Kumbhakarna and Vibhishan. Kumbhakarna was also called Bhanukarna.
15. Ravana’s last rites were performed at the banks of the Padma Sarovara in Lanka.
16. The events that led to Sitaji’s haran are very different from what is written in Vedic versions. Lakshman unintentionally killed Shambhu (Chandranakha’s son; Ravan’s nephew) while he was doing tapasya. Enraged by the loss of her son, Chandranakha asked her husband, Khardushan to wage war against Shri Ram and Lakshman. While they were away fighting Khardushan’s army, Ravana abducted Sitaji for revenge (not because he desired her). 
17. Mahasati Sita addressed Ravana on his actions and said - ‘कुशील मनुष्य की सम्पदा मल समान है और सुशील मनुष्य की दरिद्रता ही आभूषण है|’ (The wealth of an immoral man is like filth and the poverty of a good man is his ornament.)
18. Ravana was married to Bali and Sugreev’s sister Shriprabha. King Sugreev’s 13 daughters  were married to Shri Ram which technically makes Ravana Ram’s uncle (through his wives’ family). Hanuman was also married to King Sugreev’s daughter, which makes Shri Ram and Hanuman brothers-in-law.
19. When Ravana will become Teerthankar, Sitaji will be his Ganadhar and attain nirvana as well. 
20. Jatayu was born as a deva in the fourth swarga after his death.

Jai Jinendra 🙏 

Can someone please tell I can't interpret the calendar

‘Whatever I say, you must test this with your own reasoning and verify it through your own experience. Do not accept what I say blindly by faith alone until it passes the litmus test of intellection. Otherwise, it will never be yours.

If you accept what I teach on the basis of the sacred texts, or from my convincing reasoning, or even because of my radiant personality, but not by testing with your own reasoning, then in the end this will create only darkness (ignorance) in you and not light.’

Hoping someone can help verify this -where has it been mentioned in scriptures, and it would be great if someone can share relevant links.

Thank you.

Jai Jinendra.

Want to identify what tithi, paksha was there on 19 march 2004, help please.

Jai Jinendra,

Wondering if there is any way to to download Poojan Path Pradeep in PDF format for offline use? I have searched online extensively, but unable to find it.

I already have an app downloaded but it does not work without an internet connection, hence looking for a pdf.

Thank you. 🙏

EDIT - attaching image of cover for reference.

https://preview.redd.it/otwcg1gcwryc1.jpg?width=850&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4d4b0f0374b19a199b20424770be16f223cf3221

Jai Jinendra,

I am looking for online calendars/apps (maybe something that I can sync with Google calendar), to keep a track of tithis (ashtami/chaturdashi) and tirthankar kalyanaks as well as other important dates such as Akshaya Tritiya, Shrut Panchami, Ashtanika etc.?

I have a physical calendar, but sometimes forget to refer to it, hence missing important days.

Any help or suggestions are appreciated! 🙏

I studied science. And holds lot of information about Galaxies, Black holes, Atoms, Evolution, chemistry, Sun, the Earth, the big bang etc...I am rational and Just person.

All these scientific discoverisquashes typical Jain literatures like Jambu dvip, Meru parvat, Swarf/Nark, punar Janm, Past Janm etc....

I'm proud Jain and it's teachings and believe this is the best way to spend our life and yet I find it almost impossible to see any truth about what's mentioned that contradicts with science.

Anyone in the same boat?

I was reading the Adipurana version (https://jainelibrary.org/book-detail/?srno=006710) from Champat Rai Jain, and it stated that Jainism would migrate from Aryavarta to the Malekshas in the Panchama Kal (our time period).

A tank full of water all round, but dry in the centre, was seen next, this meant that Religion would disappear from the Aryāvarta, and would spread in the surrounding countries, occupied by Malekshas !

The commentary author makes a statement that basically non-Indian countries will take on Jainism, and eventually Jainism would leave Bharatavarsha (India).

https://preview.redd.it/q4s1856cibyc1.png?width=1000&format=png&auto=webp&s=244eaaac86a90ea239b1aef3680c9af06cbbdb94

https://preview.redd.it/n4jg9x33jbyc1.png?width=1000&format=png&auto=webp&s=8494757014e51eecbb3ad99a769116ac65a0f399

We have had many Jain kings in India. Famous ones being Chandragupta Maurya (in later life) , Rani Chennabhairavi (fought against the Portuguese) and many others.

From a historical point of view, these kings fought wars to defend their people. From what I know of Jainism, Ahimsa is one of the core principles.

In that case, what is the philosophical justification for maintaining armies or punishing criminals as per the principles of justice?

Or was it just like Ashoka - abandoning Buddhist principles of Ahimsa for political realities?

I am not blaming anyone. I agree that war of self defence at least is a harsh reality we unfortunately have to deal with. If some evil forces are not stopped by means of force, they will annihilate everything in their path.

I just wanted to know what's the Jain philosophical view on self defence/ or war for the safety of helpless citizens?

Hello all, past few days am making posts on marriage topics as I work as a light worker healing traumas and creating healthy relationships using our ancient wisdom and western philosophy ( scientific developments)...... My question is if a person is doing jain kriyas/ fasting etc in cases where they are repeatedly stuck in a pattern of attracting unhealed relationship partners and problems is it suffice or should we consider the specific planets effects also like (rahu, ketu, Mangal) and do their poojas..... I see some content on YouTube posted by Jain Sahebji not much in detailed on planet effects and mantra chanting but I HAVE DOUBT THAT ITS BASED ON OUR KARMAS right? So is it not that when we do the penance automatic effect shall be healing of all these patterns? Would really appreciate your opinions Thanks!

Heyy, is there anyone who visited Palitana recently? I have few questions regarding Dharamshala and transport service

For the one's not taking diksha and in sansar are there any particular tapasya to be done to shred our karmas and get husband/ wife with compatibility? Almost all religions have some fasts before marriage didn't find much on Google wht jainsm says on this!! Ik ik all the jainsm is for soul but let's be practical to do the Dharma peacefully we do need the stability at home so am asking directly about fast pls answer on point! Thanks

Why is the oppression of Jains in Indian history largely ignored?

Once upon a time, Jainism was the predominant religion in South India. Today, there are barely any Jains there. There is still also hatred of Jains there. More than 1300 years ago, 8000 Jains were killed just for being Jains by a 16-year old demon named Sambandar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impalement_of_the_Jains_in_Madurai). Still, on the Internet many people consider Sambandar to be a saint and even a God. Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev) even praises Sambandar a lot. In the city of Madurai, the event of 8000 Jains being killed is still celebrated today.

This was just one example of oppression. There are numerous other examples. There was a king named Vishnuvardhana who was a Jain. He was influenced by a racist bigot named Ramanuja who hated Jains. Vishnuvardhana converted to Vaishnavism and killed many Jains for holding on to their beliefs. Vishnuvardhana was ultimately killed by a woman believed to be an incarnation of Goddess. Vishnuvardhana is considered to be a reincarnation of Ravana.

Adi Shankracharya also killed numerous Jains and Buddhists. During his time, many Jains converted just out of fear. Many other kings during this period were bigoted towards Jains. They had made laws which discriminated against Jains like not allowing to build any new Jain temples.

When it is known that Adi Shankracharya, Ramanuja, Vishnuvardhana, and Sambandar were racists who did a lot of oppression, they why do people write positive things about them. Some people write about Vishnuvardhana that he was the greatest king of Karnataka because he stopped the spread of Jainism. Jainism was spreading extensively because it had outlawed animal sacrifices strictly.

People have wrote many books in which it is stated that Jainism is the religion of demons. According to Sripad Srivallabha's (considered to be Lord Dattatreya's incarnation) authentic biography, Jains were considered "untouchable" at the time (1300's). They were strictly barred from going inside of the temples. Of the 63 people considered to be Nayanars of Tamil Nadu, many of them were bigoted against Jains and encouraged discrimination against Jains.

Many people blame Mughals for the destruction of Indian culture. Isn't the oppression of Jains the same as the oppression of Mughals?

​

https://mythbusterx.wordpress.com/2020/05/21/persecution-of-buddhists-and-jains/

Pretty much the title