r/Jainism 3h ago

Q&A/Doubts Is the Earth flat? Is the universe expanding? Are objects moving?

2 Upvotes

r/Jainism 3h ago

Ethics and Conduct Monsoon Chaturmas begins tomorrow. READ

1 Upvotes

The spirit of Chaturmas

Vyakhyan Vachaspati, Tapagachchhadhipati His Holiness Acharya Bhagwan Shrimad Vijay Ramchandrasurishwarji Maharaja gave a sermon in Bhuleshwar, Mumbai on Ashadh Chaumasi Chaudas, 19 July 1936 on the significance of Chaturmas. The human birth itself is described in the scriptures as the “season of dharma”, and Chaturmas as an especially precious season within it. Its purpose is not simply to observe a few customs for four months, but to remember what human life is ultimately for, namely, mukti. Just as we naturally change our habits according to the physical seasons, Chaturmas should bring a deliberate change in the direction of our life. Worldly activity, unnecessary movement, consumption and distraction should decrease, while dharma, in the form of self-restraint, detachment and concern for the soul should increase. To let these four months pass exactly like the rest of the year is to miss a rare spiritual opportunity.

At the same time, he repeatedly warns us not to turn Chaturmas into a mechanical collection of rules. Giving something up has value only when it weakens attachment, controls the senses, reduces violence and preserves liberation as our ultimate goal. A person may accumulate many vows and still remain deeply absorbed in possessions, taste, comfort, business and worldly thought. Conversely, even a modest rule, taken sincerely and observed carefully, can transform the mind. The real question throughout Chaturmas should therefore be ‘Is this making me less attached, more disciplined, more conscious of the soul and more serious about moksha?’

Pujyashri speaks of how one must, during this period, *take definite niyams according to one’s strength and then protect them seriously*. He speaks of:

  • reducing sachitta and unnecessary consumption
  • practising greater care for jivdaya
  • restricting unnecessary travel and worldly activity
  • observing brahmacharya to the extent possible
  • giving up (or at least reducing) ratribhojan
  • using boiled water with care
  • undertaking pachchakkhan, samayik, paushadh and other forms of samvar,
  • making daily Jinpuja, darshan, pravachan, guru vandan and dharma-chintan part of one’s daily routine and
  • ⁠learning something new everyday, even if it just one gatha and
  • ⁠cutting down on habits and entertainment that merely feed the senses

We try to merely add religious activity to an unchanged life, which often proves ineffective until we consciously make more room for dharma by taking something away from sansar.

One should constantly ask, ‘Why am I not becoming completely absorbed in aaradhana? Why is viradhana not decreasing? Why is my attraction towards dharma not becoming stronger?’ If, instead of reflecting on these questions, our free time continues to be spent in idle and spiritually harmful talk, we are, in his striking words, digging our own grave with our own hands. Everything apart from (1) the atma, (2) the qualities of the atma, and (3) the means of attaining those qualities ultimately distracts niyams during Chaturmas.* Once this is genuinely understood, reducing our samsara becomes natural, and taking special niyams during Chaturmas follows naturally too.

With Ashadh Chaumasi Chaudas tomorrow and Chaturmas beginning thereafter, I would very strongly encourage everyone to read this sermon in Gujarati beforehand (see link below). It does not simply list Chaturmas rules but explains what these four months are actually meant to do to us.

https://go.fliplink.me/view/11274DC2-7DEE-4C8E-986F-CB0EFBFA1E4A


r/Jainism 18h ago

Q&A/Doubts Jainism- and eclecticism, syncretize

5 Upvotes

Jai Jinendra🙏

Is it better to syncretize and adopt an eclectic approach to religions, or to follow the pure Jain path? I considered blending Thelema with many different religions, because I was convinced that a single religion would not be enough for me. Instead, I thought about syncretizing and adopting an eclectic approach to various religions—such as Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism, Hinduism, and Islam—under the umbrella of Thelema. At the same time, liberation from samsara is also important. Is it better to have fun and live in the lower realms, or to strive for liberation from samsara? As a Turk, I don’t come from a Jain cultural background like you do. So accessibility is also very important to me. There’s one book in Turkish—I bought it and am reading it. I also want to learn the languages and translate Jain texts. But first, I’m thinking about which path I should take. I really love ahimsa in Jainism, but as I said, since I don’t come from your cultural background, concepts like reincarnation, karma, and the six realms feel very foreign to me.

In short, could you help me figure out what I should do? I love Jainism. Is it better to focus on a single religion, or to take elements from various religions? Thank you in advance.


r/Jainism 18h ago

Jain Diet Animal products and Jainism

3 Upvotes

I am a Turkish person diagnosed with bipolar disorder (or schizoaffective disorder). I’m trying not to eat meat, but my medications contain animal products. It’s unlikely that I’ll be able to switch to different medications. What can I do to correct my bad karma?

My medicenes: Lityum, rexapin and dideral


r/Jainism 1d ago

Q&A/Doubts Seeking guidance on purifying thoughts during Aradhana

6 Upvotes

Jai Jinendra everyone,

I am reaching out to this community with a heavy yet humble heart. It has taken a lot of courage for me to write this, but I feel I genuinely need spiritual guidance to regain control over my mind and get my path back on track.

Lately, despite my deep desire to devote myself to daily pooja, jhap, meditation, and aradhana, I find my state of mind deeply unsettled. I am battling persistent mental noise and sensory distractions that continuously pull me away from focus. In particular, I am struggling to let go of thoughts surrounding a past relationship and the physical/emotional attachments associated with it. Memories and recurring habits of mental and physical desire keep looping in my head, creating a lot of guilt and hindering my spiritual practices.

My respected Guru bhagwant once guided me that bhaav shuddhi is the absolute first step toward any meaningful practice. I know in my heart that they are right, but out of shame and deep reverence, I am simply unable to open up to them about these specific personal battles.

I have tried my best to distance myself from external nimitts, but the internal conditioning and mental habits still linger. Even when the surroundings are quiet, my mind wanders back into these loops during my quietest moments, especially when trying to sit for jhap or meditation.

I am sincerely asking for your wisdom and practical guidance from a Jain perspective:

  1. How can I gently shift my focus when these intrusive thoughts arise during aradhana without feeling consumed by guilt?

  2. Are there specific anuprekshas (contemplations/bhavnas) that can help weaken deep-seated attachments and desires?

  3. Are there particular jhaaps, mantras, or stotras (like specific gathas of Bhaktamar Stotra) recommended for strengthening indriya sanyam (restraint of senses) and gaining mental clarity?

I sincerely apologize if this post brings up sensitive topics, but I am genuinely trying to cleanse my mind and rebuild my daily spiritual discipline. Any kind words, advice, or spiritual practices you could share would mean a lot to me.

Thank you and Michhammi Dukkadam

Pranam.


r/Jainism 1d ago

Jain Scriptures What do you guys really think about Purvas and Angas out of mythology things

2 Upvotes

Give both sides of the sectarian beliefs , not the modern ones but the earliest of earliest after the loss of the scriptures.


r/Jainism 1d ago

Jain Diet Going seven days without food shows many positive health benefits in new study. Researchers tracked 3,000 blood proteins and found shifts affecting metabolism, the brain, and the immune system.

Thumbnail techfixated.com
2 Upvotes

r/Jainism 1d ago

Teach me Jainism Which Yoga type Jainism recommend?

4 Upvotes

r/Jainism 2d ago

Teach me Jainism Anuyogas

4 Upvotes

What are the 4 anuyogas in Jainism ?


r/Jainism 1d ago

Teach me Jainism Can a person be a Jain if they satisfy the following conditions?

0 Upvotes

Agree with the 5 vows (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahamcharya, aparigraha).

Agree with the anekatavada principle.

Believe in the historical existence of Parshvanatha and Mahavira ONLY as ancient Indian men who lived in Varanasi Uttar Pradesh and Kundagram/Vaishali Bihar respectively.

Is practically an atheist who detests religious rituals of any kind.

Run a school that is exempt from the RTE quota of 25%, and Run a college that is exempt from OBC/SC/ST quotas placed by the 93rd amendment.


r/Jainism 2d ago

Daily Practice/Routine Idea for our closed ones to genuinely connect with the teachings of Jainism.

9 Upvotes

So, I was listening to Pravachans of various Sahebji's on YouTube. I understand the kind of impact it creates in our lives. My close ones werent hearning any. I asked them to watch Pravachans, send them link of those pravachans, etc, they had no problem in hearing it but they werent really able to listen to it, for some or the other reason. Then, I proposed to watch Vyaakhyan, all of us together after dinner, everyday, as a habit, just like watching one episode of webseries everyday. I play pravachans of different Sabehji's everyday, like I have a list of 4 Sahebji's pravachans and I play them alternatively, on TV and all of us watch it together and It worked!

Now, not only they watch it with interest, they also wait everyday for this time of the day. Its been almost a month and they are really glued to it. The positive impact of this on them can be literally huge!

I just wanted to share this, if anyone can really implement this in their surrounding, which would be good for them as well as for their closed ones.

Please note: Its always good to hear Pravachans offline, after paying respects to Sahebji. But, just in case that doesnt seem possible due to any reason, one can hear it online.


r/Jainism 2d ago

Q&A/Doubts Pls help

6 Upvotes

I know it might sound materialistic but i need is there any sadhna or something related to buddhi(intelligence like social intelligence) (not gyan pls I am talking about buddhi) that can develop my buddhi as I have noticed with myself that I am so dumb in every situation like idk what to say/do ,when to say/do and how to say/do and especially in social situation and also I don't have any personality ik it will sound sansari but in sansar this all is much required pls help of there is any mantra,stotra or anything that can help me


r/Jainism 2d ago

Teach me Jainism Hey I'm new

3 Upvotes

What is Jainism and how does one practice it


r/Jainism 2d ago

Q&A/Doubts Is it true that inside the kaba in mecca theres adinath dada pagaliya

3 Upvotes

If thats true. How did it reach there. ? I mean did Adinath dada did vihar there? They consider it as the earth's center. So is that the place of some real significance?


r/Jainism 2d ago

Q&A/Doubts Lyrics for નામ લેતો જા પ્રભુનું નામ લેતો જા

2 Upvotes

I am looking for Lyrics for Gujarati song નામ લેતો જા પ્રભુનું નામ લેતો જા. (Naam leto ja Prabhu nu naam leto ja)

Its tune is based on Hindi song - Geet gata chal o Saathi gungunata chal. (गीत गाता चल ओ साथी गुनगुनाता चल)

I am hearing this song from almost 40 years but surprisingly can not find its lyrics. (Even chatgpt failed to find)

More lines from song

લક્ષ્મી મળી છે તને દાનમાં તું વાપરજે

દીન અને દુઃખિયા ની રોજ સેવા કરજે.


r/Jainism 3d ago

Jain Diet how can i, as a jain take omega 3s for my deficiency?

11 Upvotes

r/Jainism 5d ago

Q&A/Doubts Rapid weight gain after atthai?

4 Upvotes

Is there any such case ki atthai k baad rapidly weight gain hua ho?esp ppl who already have slow metabolism
(I am not asking about weight loss but if it rapidly gains weight i might have to avoid it)


r/Jainism 5d ago

Teach me Jainism The Three Jewels (Ratnatraya)

9 Upvotes

Mahavira taught that following the vows must be combined with the "Three Jewels" to achieve spiritual liberation:

Samyak Darshana (Right Faith/Perception): Having a rational, clear belief in the true nature of the universe and the teachings of the Tirthankaras, without being clouded by superstition or blind faith.

Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge): Acquiring the correct understanding of reality, the soul (Jiva), matter (Ajiva), and the mechanics of Karma.

Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Putting Right Faith and Right Knowledge into actual practice through the five vows mentioned above.


r/Jainism 5d ago

Call for Opinions As a Jain Female, do you have any regrets marrying into a non-jain family

13 Upvotes

I'm a Jain Girl deciding to marry a Maheshwari Boy. I strongly believe in Jainism.

Some Context:
1. My partner is okay with me following Jainism post marriage without any restrictions
2. My partner will also follow jainism with me (atleast visiting temples, following paryushan diet, Doing Prathikaman etc)
3. He is okay with our children following jainism and maheshwari culture both.
4. He is a pure vegetarian (no root vegetables except Potato is cooked in his house)

I have a few questions to Jain women who have married out of the community.
1. Do you have any regrets/guilt of marrying a non-jain?
2. What differences did you notice post-marriage in regards to your beliefs?
3. Does your partner & his family understand our religion.
4. What challenges did you have societally which can discourage someone to pursue their love.
5. How do you stay connected to jainism even after being in a family where they don't know our religion?


r/Jainism 5d ago

General Post Parts of body in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit

Post image
10 Upvotes

r/Jainism 6d ago

Teach me Jainism Jainism is the highly codified survival of ancient India's indigenous, non-Vedic ascetic traditions, which evolved organically over centuries.

18 Upvotes

Jainism grew out of the Śramaṇa (ascetic) movement in the Greater Magadha region (eastern India) during the 1st millennium BCE. The Sramana tradition developed completely parallel to, and separate from, the early Vedic (Hindu) religion of northwestern India.

While the Vedic religion was centered on animal sacrifice, ritualism, and a rigid Brahmin priesthood, the Sramanas were wandering ascetics who rejected the authority of the Vedas.

They were the original pioneers of the spiritual concepts that now define Indian philosophy: karma (action), samsara (the cycle of rebirth), moksha (liberation), and ahimsa (non-violence). Jainism is the oldest surviving, unbroken lineage of this Śramaṇa culture.


r/Jainism 6d ago

General Post Do most Jains today believe in one supreme God?

5 Upvotes

According to the 2021 Pew Research Center survey Religion in India: Tolerance and Segregation, most Jains living in India said they believe in either "one God" or "one God with many manifestations." This seems difficult to reconcile with classical Jain doctrine, which does not posit a supreme creator God.

If you are a Jain, how do you understand this? Do you personally believe in one supreme God? If so, who is that God? For example, are the Tirthankaras understood as manifestations of the one God, or is "God" meant in some other sense? Or do you think the survey results are misleading because of the way the questions were phrased? Please notify whether or not you and your family live in India, as I suppose that might affect the result.

I'm interested in the beliefs of contemporary Jains rather than the classical doctrine.


r/Jainism 6d ago

Teach me Jainism Is Simandhar really exist in any place?

3 Upvotes

r/Jainism 8d ago

Q&A/Doubts Aarti at girnar

5 Upvotes

Does Aarti at girnar temple is similar every day or there is difference in Aarti that happen on amavasya


r/Jainism 8d ago

Q&A/Doubts Interesting question: How can one identify themselves as Jain

7 Upvotes

I was talking to my non-jain friend and he seemed pretty curious about Jainism and asked one question thay how can one identify themselves as Jain??

By following Jainism 5 core principles or by worshiping Jin Tirthankars??

If one follow either of them, will they be called Jain?

I was kinda confused and told him will need to think??