Human civilization has experienced pivotal eras, marked by the decline of one age and the emergence of another, often demanding new philosophies and religions. The 6th century BCE in India was such a transformative period. German philosopher Karl Jaspers later referred to this time as the 'Axial Age' of human spiritual history. In China, Confucius and Laozi contemplated new social orders, while prophets in the Middle East preached justice and faith. In Greece, philosophy began to transition from myth to reason. Concurrently, two great spiritual figures emerged in India: Siddhartha Gautama, who founded Buddhism, and Mahavira, who completed Jainism.
Today, while many are familiar with Buddhism, Jainism remains relatively obscure. However, a deeper exploration of Indian civilization reveals that Jainism is not a minor religion; rather, it is a significant spiritual tradition essential for understanding the Indian psyche, embodying universal values of nonviolence and respect for life.
The history of Jainism does not begin with Mahavira. Jains view their faith not as a new religion but as a continuation of ancient truths. According to Jain tradition, there have been 24 'Tirthankaras' who guide humanity toward enlightenment, with Mahavira being the last teacher. The term 'Tirthankara' literally means 'one who makes a path across the river,' symbolizing a bridge for humanity to cross from suffering and desire to liberation.
Long before Mahavira, many ascetics existed, notably Parsva, the 23rd Tirthankara, who is considered a historically plausible figure. Mahavira inherited this tradition, establishing stricter practices and a more rigorous philosophy of nonviolence, earning him the title of the 'completer' of Jainism rather than its founder.
The 6th century BCE in India was a time of immense change, with urban growth, commercial development, and the rise of new social classes. Yet, religious practices remained centered around Brahmanical rituals and ceremonies. Many began to question a reality where formality and status overshadowed spiritual salvation. The caste system categorized individuals from birth, making religious rites distant and challenging for the common people.
Amidst these contradictions, Jainism and Buddhism emerged almost simultaneously. Although they followed different paths, both shared a common concern: the belief that humans are not defined by their birth status but can achieve fulfillment through personal practice and moral living.
Mahavira is said to have come from a royal lineage. Despite enjoying a life of abundance, he chose to renounce everything around the age of thirty to pursue the path of an ascetic. He wandered through forests and fields for many years, practicing extreme austerity and meditation. Enduring hunger, heat, cold, and ridicule, he sought to live a life that harmed no living being. Ultimately, he attained complete enlightenment and subsequently nurtured numerous disciples to establish the Jain community.
Mahavira and Siddhartha Gautama share remarkable similarities. Both were born into royal or noble families, renounced wealth and power, and sought a path to alleviate human suffering. However, their journeys to enlightenment diverged significantly.
Siddhartha experienced extreme asceticism before realizing it was not the path to true enlightenment, proposing the 'Middle Way' that avoids both excessive pleasure and extreme asceticism. In contrast, Mahavira believed that to eradicate human desire, much stricter self-discipline and practice were necessary. He regarded a life that harms no being as the highest value and believed that through rigorous self-restraint, one could purify the soul.
This divergence shaped the identities of the two religions. Buddhism spread widely, emphasizing moderation and compassion, while Jainism formed a smaller yet resilient community centered on strict self-restraint and nonviolence. Though smaller in scale than Buddhism, Jainism has maintained a unique tradition of ethics and practice.
At the core of Jainism is the belief that not only humans but all life is sacred. This philosophy extends respect to all living beings, from large animals to tiny insects and microorganisms. This perspective later evolved into the philosophy of 'Ahimsa,' or nonviolence. Jain monks traditionally take care to avoid stepping on small creatures and often cover their mouths with cloth to prevent harming even the smallest life forms.
Today, Jainism is often perceived as an overly strict religion. However, a broader perspective reveals that its strictness embodies a profound reflection on restraining human desires and coexisting with nature and all life. In an era marked by climate crises, ecological destruction, and relentless consumption and competition, the questions Jainism raises resonate more urgently than ever: How much more do we need? To what extent can we exploit life? Can the advancement of civilization only be sustained through coexistence with nature?
Jainism posed these questions over 2,500 years ago, transcending mere religious doctrine to challenge human civilization with ethical inquiries.
True civilization begins not with the ability to possess more but with the wisdom to restrain oneself. Jainism teaches that 'the strong person is not one who conquers others but one who conquers their own desires.' Businesses should consider not only profit but also life and the environment; politics should prioritize the common good over power; and the media should choose truth over sensationalism. Individuals, too, will find that practicing restraint and consideration enhances the quality of life and fosters a healthier society.
Ahimsa and Liberation: The Most Rigorous Practices for Life
The key to understanding Jainism lies in 'Ahimsa,' or nonviolence. However, Jainism's concept of nonviolence extends beyond merely refraining from harming others. It begins with the belief that all life is dignified and possesses its role and value in the universe. This philosophy does not elevate humans as special beings but respects even the smallest insect and blade of grass as integral members of the cosmos.
This view of life was revolutionary in the context of ancient Indian society. While most religions focused on the relationship between humans and the divine, Jainism prioritized the relationship between humans and all life. Nature is not merely a domain to be dominated but a community to coexist with, and harming life ultimately tarnishes one's own soul.
Jainism categorizes the universe into two fundamental entities: 'Jiva,' meaning soul, and 'Ajiva,' encompassing matter, time, and space. Humans exist not solely as physical beings but as souls endowed with infinite wisdom and freedom. However, desires, attachments, anger, and greed cloud the soul's original brilliance through the accumulation of karma.
Jainism's concept of karma is unique. While Buddhism views karma as the result of actions, Jainism describes it as a subtle substance that attaches to the soul. Greed, falsehood, violence, and attachment weigh down the soul, preventing liberation from the cycle of rebirth. Thus, the goal of practice is not merely to live righteously but to cleanse the soul of the karma that clings to it.
The ultimate aim of this practice is liberation (Moksha). Liberation is not about transitioning to another world after death but achieving a state of complete freedom from all karma, restoring the soul's original purity. In Jainism, liberation is not a gift from a deity; it is a state that everyone must strive to attain through their own efforts and practices.
Consequently, Jainism emphasizes rigorous self-restraint. It holds that overcoming oneself is more challenging and noble than conquering others. This philosophy is embodied in Mahavira's life. He sought to change the world by first changing himself and aimed to overcome his desires before seeking to save humanity.
The essence of Jain practice lies in five great vows. The first is Ahimsa, or nonviolence. The second is to speak the truth. The third is to refrain from coveting others' possessions. The fourth is to live a pure life by restraining desires. The fifth is non-possessiveness. These five vows are not merely ethical guidelines but paths to liberate the soul.
Particularly, the spirit of non-possessiveness resonates deeply even today. Modern individuals often believe that greater possession leads to happiness, but Jainism argues that accumulating more leads to increased attachment and anxiety. The more material wealth one has, the more entrenched the chains of desire become.
This belief results in a very austere lifestyle for Jain monks. Some monks possess only minimal clothing and personal items, travel exclusively on foot, and carefully watch where they step to avoid harming life. Some even cover their mouths with cloth to prevent inadvertently consuming small life forms. While this may seem excessively strict through a modern lens, it reflects an absolute reverence for life.
Although Buddhism and Jainism emerged in the same era, they followed different paths. Buddhism sought to alleviate human suffering through the Middle Way and compassion, while Jainism aimed to purify the soul through strict self-restraint and nonviolence. One emphasizes balance, while the other stresses rigorous practice. However, both religions regard human dignity and moral responsibility as paramount, representing a significant legacy in human civilization.
The influence of Jainism extends beyond Indian society to the world. Notably, the philosophy of nonviolence has left a profound impact on later generations. Mahatma Gandhi, who led India's independence movement, was deeply influenced by the spirit of Ahimsa in Jainism, developing nonviolent resistance as his political philosophy. His belief that conscience and truth are stronger than weapons is a modern embodiment of Jain spirituality.
Today, humanity stands at a crossroads of new civilization. Climate crises, ecological destruction, relentless competition, consumerism, and rapid advancements in artificial intelligence pose fundamental questions to humanity. How far should technology be allowed to advance? What kind of relationship should humans have with nature? Is mere growth the true measure of progress?
In such times, the voice of Jainism becomes increasingly significant. Respecting life, restraining desires, and coexisting with nature are no longer merely religious ideals but essential survival strategies for humanity. Concepts like ESG management, sustainable development, animal welfare, environmental protection, ethical consumption, and AI ethics all trace back to a shared value of respect for life.
Jainism does not demand grand miracles from us. It teaches that spirituality begins with letting go of one unnecessary desire today, cherishing one small life, speaking one more kind word, and respecting nature a little more.
Today, both nations and corporations must heed this lesson. Businesses should consider not only profits but also people and the environment; politics should choose coexistence over conflict; and the media should pursue truth rather than exacerbate divisions. Individuals, too, will elevate the quality of life by practicing restraint and consideration over endless accumulation.
※ This article was generated using AI and has been reviewed by an editor.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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