JAINISM: PROVIDING THE PATH TO “MOKSHA,” THE SECOND OLDEST RELIGION THAT ORIGINATED FROM INDIA

The concept of Moksha in Jainism is synonymous with the ultimate liberation of the soul from samsara and the attainment of eternal happiness, free from all forms of karmic pollution. This paper examines various facets of Moksha in Jainism such as contemporary expressions of Jain practices, Jain cosmology, art, ecological consciousness, and the relevance of monastic life.

Jain Practices for Attaining Moksha in the Modern World:

• Ahimsa, non-violence is at the core of ethical considerations for Jains. The principle goes beyond physical violence to cover non-violent speech and thought. These include:
• Dietary Practices: Several Jains follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, which avoids harm to animals. This practice corresponds with contemporary movements promoting animal rights and ethical eating.
• Professional Choices: Jains can opt for professions that cause less damage to living beings; a good example is military service or butchery or even some types of business activities that involve dishonesty or violence.

Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 26:

"Atha chainaṁ nitya-jātaṁ nityaṁ vā manyase mṛtam
Tathāpi tvaṁ mahā-bāho naivaṁ śhochitum-arhasi"

Translation in English:

"If, however, you think that the soul is perpetually born and always dies, still you have no reason to lament, O mighty-armed."

Meaning in Hindi:

"यदि आपको लगता है कि आत्मा सदैव जन्मती रहती है और सदैव मरती रहती है, तो भी, हे महाबाहो! आपको शोक करने के लिए कोई कारण नहीं है।"

पंचराम क्षेत्र मंदिर में स्थापित शिवलिंग एक ही शिवलिंग से बना है।

Through their Charity and social reform the Parsi community, though small in numbers, has forever impacted the society’s financial, cultural and social life. The modern India is shaped by these people through gender equality, education and healthcare initiatives as well as community development. A more detailed examination of the history, influence and continued relevance of Parsi based philanthropical and social reforms aimed at changing Indian society is provided here.

Historical Context: The Parsis migrated from Persia (now Iran) to India a thousand years ago. They are Zoroastrians who have been involved in a long tradition of charity work and public service grounded on religious beliefs and customs. Despite being a minority group, that did not prevent them from making an impact on various aspects of Indian living dependent upon their Wealth, education or social standing thus elevate the less advantaged in order to achieve justice.

Ancient Charity Efforts: On their arrival to India, the Parsi settlers fight with the need for education, health care and social welfare while at their new home. In reaction to this situation, they formed several charities as well as educational institutions and hospitals to cater for the community’s needs and have a significant impact on society at large.

Among the earliest cases of Parsi philanthropy was in the seventeenth century when the Parsi Panchyat Funds were constituted. These funds offered financial support to needy members within the community for varying purposes such as education, marriage and illness.

The Percy community is an Indian religious and ethnic minority group with roots in ancient Persia. This community is known for its rich culture and traditions, including many unique festivals. This blog reviews some of the most important festivals of the Parsi religion.

"Vāsāmsi jīrṇāni yathā vihāya
Navāni gṛhṇāti naro ’parāṇi
Tathā śharīrāṇi vihāya jīrṇāny
Anyāni saṁyāti navāni dehī"

Translation in English:

"Just as a person puts on new garments after discarding the old ones, similarly, the soul accepts new material bodies after casting off the old and useless ones."

Meaning in Hindi:

"जिस प्रकार मनुष्य पुराने वस्त्रों को छोड़कर नए वस्त्र पहनता है, वैसे ही आत्मा पुराने और अनुपयुक्त शरीरों को छोड़कर नए मानसिक शरीर को अपनाती है।"