I have always been an individual who tries to learn and study about other religions and cultures. I enjoy learning from these as well as being able to understand people from different backgrounds. I thought I was fairly well versed in world cultures; however, until the beginning of this class I had never heard of a faith known as Jainism. Initially, I was taken back by the focus on non-violence and the love and liberation that all followers work toward achieving. The concept, though very foreign to me, is a beautiful and inspirational one.

I began by looking into the background and main principles of the faith. There are 5 principles by which all Jainism followers live by. First, relates to being non-violent toward all aspects of life as they feel that this deed would result in an adverse reaction toward the offender in their next life. Next, they focus on speaking only the truth and avoiding lies on all levels. Additionally, there is the principle that focuses on stealing and the negativity that could result from doing so. Also, Jainism followers believe in living in monogamous relationships and being faithful to their spouses. Finally, there is the detachment from material things. Jainism followers avoid becoming attached to material possessions and avoid from over-indulging in any way. I learned that the term Jain derives from Jina as Fisher points out. “One who has thus brought forth the highest in his or her being is called a Jina (a “winner” over the passions). (Fisher, page 123).

I had many misconceptions when first reading about this faith, one of those was that these were ‘weak’ people and thus the focus on non-violence. Additionally, I though they would be odd-balls from society who are purposely trying to be non-conformist in their actions. Finally, I thought that there could be no purpose in this religion when it comes to politics and growth within a country. In reviewing the information for this paper, I found that my ignorance was all that was showing in my misconceptions.

As previously stated, I thought for sure that the followers of Jainism must be weak people. Fisher discusses the pain and ridicule that people put Mhavir through stating “The Venerable One humbled himself and bore the pain.” (Fisher, page 121). Growing up in an environment where fighting is part of growing up and showing how strong and powerful you are; yet, I never really thought of the point of view that a follower of Jainism must. The strength and power that comes from non-violence and peaceful solutions is far beyond that of any warrior past and present. These followers can reach a state of almost perfect bliss which allows them to put aside petty disputes and truly emerge as the victors in any battle with their peace and tranquility at the forefront.

Initially, their peaceful outreach struck me as not only weak, but I was sure that they must be the odd-balls from society seeking community with one another. As I studied, I found that the one odd thing that I could find in common amongst followers was their education. This is the type of odd that we should all strive for. Amongst their communities, Jainism followers tend to be educated to a greater level and have a higher level of literacy.

When it comes to politics, I though that the aforementioned traits that I viewed initially as weak and odd could provide no benefit in the realm of politics; however, these could be the greatest strengths in the world of peace talks and disputes between nations. The ability to remain non-violent and to look for peaceful options is a trait that very few world leaders have. This type of negotiation could lead to a world without war and with peaceful discussion to reduce war and tragedy. Additionally, the high level of education that these followers generally have may be a welcomed addition to peace talks in the region.
I viewed many online resources and was amazed to find so many videos on YOUTUBE that either discussed Jainism or showed elements of the services. It was during this information review that I learned that though by the birth and upbringing Ghandi was not technically a Jain; yet, based on his overall ideology he was in many ways considered to be one. Ahmedabad points out that “The central tenet of Jainism is Ahimsa (Non-violence) and Gandhi's philosophy rested upon it.” (Ahmedabad 1997). The elements of the services that I saw were very inspirational. To see the level of faith and focus that the followers had during the service was surprising to me. As a Christian I have seen many devout followers in a ‘trance’ like state in Church; however, it was very different to see the entire congregation worshipping together as a group and together in this state of mind. Additionally, I saw an interview with two parents whose child was learning and advancing as a Jain at a much younger age then normal. She commonly would provide her possessions to those in need on the street and was a big proponent for peace and carried an attitude of non-violence. To see young children who have already gotten the most important aspects of the religion embedded in their personality was an inspiration to say the least.

My perception has truly changed from this experience. It has taught me to be much more open to different faiths, and it has taught me that I was not nearly as open as I originally thought. I am somewhat disgusted with my initial perception, but I am happy that I was able to see the truth behind this faith and the beauty that it holds. As I move forward in life I plan on learning much more about the Jainism faith and though I will never change from Christianity as a faith I can see many similarities and aspects that I will incorporate into my life. I am not really a violent person, but surely have a temper from time to time and this has taught me that my normal approach is clearly not the best one to take in most cases. By walking in love, compassion, and peace I can be a link in improving the world to come and not carrying on the ways of the past.

Works Cited

Fisher, M. (2011). The living religion. (Custom ed.). Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions.
Ahmedabad. (1997, January 19). Gandhi and jainism. Retrieved from http://www.somacon.com/p118.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J0PqqvM6e0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9NcGAE4WOU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzZ_SHDSrAI&feature=related