Frequently asked Question about JAINISM!!!

 

Don’t Fear Dying. Fear Violence.

Question: This is fascinating, but how might we avoid, say, stepping on an ant or killing microbes? Are there certain practices that might prevent such deaths?

Answer: Jainism recognizes that some violence is inevitable, especially toward microbes, as we live in the world, and therefore, lay Jains have relaxed vows. However, for Jain ascetics, the vows and rules are stringent, which prohibits them from riding on any vehicle. They must only walk for any travel, and when they do, carefully clearing their way to avoid stepping on any small insect, for instance. Some Jain ascetics keep their mouths covered with a mask as they speak or breathe to prevent ingesting any microbes. Devout Jains consume water only after carefully filtering and boiling for the same reason. They also perform forgiveness rituals periodically to repent for any unconscious violence committed even after these precautionary practices.

Question: It is my understanding that Jainism has a rich set of beliefs about the movement of the soul — transmigration. What kind of insight does this give us into how Jains conceive of death or the afterlife?

Answer: In Jainism, as in some other religions, only the body dies, but the soul continues its journey through transmigration. The soul is distinct from the body in Jainism. The body is a tool used to purify the soul across different lives to reach the ultimate destination of Moksha, or liberation. The soul reincarnates in any of the millions of species on the earth, the heavens or the hells. This infinite process depends on how nonviolent its journey has been through different lives.

Question: How might we use our bodies to purify our souls? I ask because often, the body is seen as “impure” within various religious traditions.

Answer: The body is an instrument for practicing penance, including meditation and fasting. The body is not to be indulged in pleasures and luxuries, but rather, by courageously tolerating various bodily inconveniences and sufferings, the soul succeeds in purifying itself from past karmas. This purification process helps one progress toward liberation.