What is the main prayer of Jainism called?

What is the main prayer of Jainism called?

The Ṇamōkāra mantra or Navkar Mantra is the most significant mantra in Jainism, and one of the oldest mantras in continuous practice. This is the first prayer recited by the Jains while meditating.

Who is the prophet of Jainism?

The Jains are followers of Vardhamana Mahavira (599–527 B.C.E.) who systematized the doctrine of the three tirthankaras: Rsabha, Ajitanatha, and Aristanemi. Mahavira was not the founder of Jainism, but a monk who espoused the Jaina creed and became a seer and the last prophet (Tirthankara) of Jainism.

How old are the Jain scriptures?

While some authors date the composition of the Jain Agamas starting from the 6th century BCE, some western scholars, such as Ian Whicher and David Carpenter, argue that the earliest portions of Jain canonical works were composed around the 4th or 3rd century BCE.

Does Jainism have a Bible?

The texts containing the teachings of Mahavira are called the Agamas, and are the canonical literature – the scriptures – of Svetambara Jainism.

Are Jains Rajputs?

The Jains are identified by others, and identify themselves, as belonging to the Vaisya varna , the ancient social category of merchants and traders. Nevertheless, almost all the Osval Jains—and members of other Jain castes as well, Svetambar and Digambar—trace their descent to the Rajputs.

What is the history behind Jainism?

Scholars of religion generally hold that Jainism originated in the 7th–5th century bce in the Ganges basin of eastern India, the scene of intense religious speculation and activity at that time.

Which is the holy text of Jainism?

Jain Scriptures Scripture is the synonym of the holy text, which consists of religious dogmas, and assertions of an authentic authority (Apta Purusa). The Jainism has its own scriptures called Agamas or Srutas, which are directly derived from the Tirthankaras. The Agamas are divided into two Streams viz. Sutragamas and Arthagamas.

How did the Jain religion get its name?

The religion derives its name from the jina s (“conquerors”), a title given to twenty-four great teachers ( tirthankara s or “ford-makers”), through whom their faith was revealed. Mahavira, the last of the tirthankara s, is considered the founder of Jainism. The ultimate goal of Jainism the liberation of the self ( jiva) from rebirth,…

How is Jainism related to Buddhism and Buddhism?

Jainism is related to an extinct Indian religious tradition named Ājīvika. The later is mentioned in ancient texts of Buddhism and Jainism, and it is attributed to Makkhali Gosala, a contemporary of the Buddha and Mahavira. The Jain Bhagavati Sutra refers to the Ajivika founder as Gosala Mankhaliputta (“son of Mankhali”).

Is the Jain religion compatible with the Bible?

Like all false religion, Jainism is incompatible with biblical Christianity. First, the Bible condemns the worship of any god apart from the true and living God. “I am the Lord your God. . . .