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research paper on jainism

Jainism: A Religion of Compassion and Non-violence

  • First Online: 01 August 2023

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research paper on jainism

  • Kirti Tyagi 3 &
  • Kamlesh Singh   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4256-7809 4  

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Jainism is the sixth-largest religion in India and is referred to as the religion of non-violence. The present chapter focuses on understanding the application of Jain practices and principles in the context of positive psychology, mental health, and other psychological outcomes. First, we begin by briefly discussing Jain philosophy, its historical roots, divisional sects, and the demographic distribution of the community. Then we highlight some fundamental teachings and principles of Jainism and their contribution to spirituality, well-being, virtues, and perspective-taking. We then proceed to describe primary practices and principles of Jainism that contribute to positive psychology, emphasizing specifically on virtues and character strengths; and on well-being, peace education, pro-environmental attitudes, positive interpersonal relationships, positive mental health, and empirical evidence for Jain prekshā meditation. The chapter concludes by discussing the implications and significance of Jain practices and principles and the need for more empirical research.

“ Ahimsā Paramō Dharmā ( Non-violence is the Greatest Dharma )” Lord Mahāvīra ( Jain , 2007 , p. 13 )

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Tattvārthasūtra is a famous Jain holy text which elaborate on the principles of existence and karma philosophy (Jainpedia: The Jain Universe Online, n.d.).

The five Yamas are the first step of eightfold step of Patanjali’s Yogasūtra . These are the code of conducts which helps in the journey of self-realization (Dhand, 2002 , p. 355).

Kalpa Sūtra is Śvetāmbara Text and Tattvāratha is Digamabar Text.

Ten virtues: chastity, gentleness, non-possession, purity, forbearance, austerity, gentleness, truth, uprightness, restraint, and renunciation.

Tapa : six external and six internal austerities (for detail see Gada, 2015 , pp. 73–74).

Jains, like everyone else in India, celebrate Diwali. Except for the section where they also celebrated it as the day Mahāvīra attained mōksha , all other rituals are similar. In Hinduism, Diwali, commonly known as the “Festival of Lights”, is a significant holiday. The celebration commemorates the return of Lord Rāmā to Ayodhya.

Ten virtues (for details refer to Gada, 2015 , pp. 76–77),

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Tyagi, K., Singh, K. (2023). Jainism: A Religion of Compassion and Non-violence. In: Singh, K., Saxena, G. (eds) Religious and Spiritual Practices in India. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-2397-7_9

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