The Teaching of Jainism
Rishabhdev was the founder of the faith of Jainism but, it was the teachings of Mahavir that are popularly known as Jainism.
Path of salvation
Mahavira preached that man’s ultimate goal is to get rid of worldly bondages to attain Moksha or liberation. In Jain philosophy, the ultimate goal of life is Nirvana. Nirvana can be achieved by freeing the soul from the bondage of the physical elements and putting an end to Karma and its fruits. This can be achieved by the observance of Triratna or three gems. The tri-ratnas in Jainism are
1. Samyak Darshan (Right View): This does not mean believing what is told or viewed but means seeing things properly by avoiding preconceptions and superstitions.
2. Samyak Gyan (Proper Knowledge): An effort to gain knowledge by removing the darkness of ignorance. Knowledge can be gained only by following the teachings of the Tirthankaras.
3. Samyak Acharan (Right Conduct): This means living life according to Jains ethical rules and renouncing any violence to animal and human beings, and freeing oneself from any attachment and impure thought.
Central Teachings of Jainism
One of the oldest surviving religions, Jainism, had its birth in the 6th century B.C. During this time frame, numerous schools sprang up against the cumbersome rituals and bloody sacrifices, and one among them was “Jainism“. It has a unique place in the history of India with its ideology and teachings. According to this religion, the founder Tirthankara of the faith is Rishabhdev, and Vardhamana Mahavira was the last of the 24 Tirthankaras.
Vardhaman Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara and his efforts and teachings transformed Jainism into a popular religion of the 6th century B.C.; born in Kundagram near Vaishali, his father was ‘Siddhartha‘ (of the Ikshvaku Dynasty) and his mother was ‘Trishala‘ (of the Licchavi dynasty). After putting his body to complete hardships, he attained supreme knowledge, i.e. Kaivalya at 42. He founded Jain sangha at Pawapuri to propagate his faith, and at the age of 72, he attained moksha (passed away) at Pawapuri in the present-day Bihar on 527 BCE.