Liberation of women and gender equality is not the bedrock of Jainism. It grants a woman as much dignity, freedom of thought and opportunity as man. The Jain goal is to attain a liberated state completely free from effects of karma and that is not possible at present in one human life. The awareness and high degree purification is essential for complete liberation. To attain this state it is necessary to halt the impact of karma on the soul and at the same time to eliminate the previously acquired karma that enmeshes the soul. But the only way to attain victory over karma is through further, refined action.

Read more here: » Jainism: Jain Traditions

Mahavira, a great prophet and teacher, systematised the Jain doctrines and embodied them in a comprehensive constitution of the faith. He built the edifice of Jainism by renovation, modification and extension. Most of all, he infused new life and vitality into Arhata tradition.

In his own time, he was referred to in Buddhist literature as "Niggantha Naatputte "and his teachings were described as "Nirgrantha Dharma ", a way of life that found its truth in the universe and not in a single scripture.

(See also: Peace on Earth, Peace in Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Mahavira: Non-Violent Search For Supreme Truth

The Jains understand karma, however, in quite a different fashion from the way this is understood in Western philosophy. Karma exists only as the result of the actions of living beings. Jains are most concerned with the human actions, since only human beings have the ability to choose between right and wrong. Thus, the Jains emphasise on karma and this is the recognition that perfect or imperfect condition of each and every person is the result of his own karma.

Read more here: » Jainism: Karma and the Jain Art Of Living

The three fundamental tenets for Jains are: Right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. A pursuit of these goals involves modest living, and prescribed behavior such as non-violence and stringent vegetarianism, and also various rituals and acts of devotion ( puja). The worship of images of mortal teachers or Thirthankaras (divinities) is common among Buddhists, Hindus, and Jains alike, but the approach of the Jains to the Tirthankaras differs from that of the other groups.

Read more here: » Jainism: Right Faith, Right Knowledge And Right Conduct

The Jain philosophy of Anekantavada (multitude beliefs) tells us that there are no absolute theories or formulae that can describe reality in absolute terms. Rather, our belief of Anekantavada tells us that we do not know the complete truth. We can learn from others as well. Let truth prevail, say Jains . Truth in its final analysis is wholesome and one, which leads us to love and understanding. And that is the very necessary essence of all religions.

Read more here: » Jainism: Let Truth Prevail

Even though the basic principles of Jainism are framed from the religious and spiritual point of view, you can find scientific reasons for them.
Food should be ecological, evolutionary and ethical. They are supposed to drink boiled water only. As per Jain religion sour and spicy food is rajasik. Only satwik food keeps the mind clean, makes you samatabhavi, gives you equanimity. Alcohol, vinegar, molasses and wine and even honey is forbidden.

Read more here: » Jainism: Pure And Simple Life

In India, the day begins with worship. People pray, bow and meditate. Members of the Jain community all over India bathe, put on new clothes and walk barefoot to their local temple. They embark on their daily pilgrimage with no possessions and with high aspirations. Some of them carry a cloth mask which they wear when inside the temple. From the moment they walk into the temple, all worldly concerns are set aside to facilitate meditation. Their focus is on the Tirthankaras , the teachers who conquered their own vices to teach the world about compassion and salvation through example. The recitation of the Namokar Mahamantra encourages them to salute the achievements of all divine souls who attained salvation.

(See also: Jainism Worship , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Jainism Worship: Sincere Prayer for Peace and Harmony  

Eight hundred years ago, Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, then a village in Dakshina Kannada. There lived lived a Jain chieftain, Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballalthi in a house called Neliyadi Beedu. They were simple, pious and affectionate people. All knew the Pergade family for its generosity and hospitality.

Read more here: » Jainism: The Legend Of Dharmasthala

The most important festival of the Jain community is Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir. This is observed on the 13th day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Chaitra. The day is celebrated with great zeal and devotion. People visit sacred places and worship Teerthankaras (spiritual guides) on this day.

Read more here: » Jainism: Indian Festivals - Mahavir Jayanti

The word Jain has been derived from Jina, which means conqueror, implying one who has overcome all human passions. The Tattvarth Sutra, a book of supreme wisdom, was written by Umaswati, Kundkundacharya's disciple.

The opening aphorism of Tattvarth Sutra talks about enlightened faith, knowledge and conduct leading to final emancipation. The enlightened faith comprises Jiva or life, Ajiva or non-life, Asharva or flow of karma, Bandha or bondage of karma, Samvar or shedding of karma-particles and Moksha.

(See also: Life and Death, Life and Beyond, Death and Dying, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Life and Death: Prevent the Influx of Karma Particles

Sacred Numbers: Maths as Tool to Attain Mukti

"I bow to that glorious Lord of the Jainas, who as the shining lamp of the know-ledge of numbers made to shine whole of the universe", said Mahaviracharya in Ganita Sara Sangraha. Few know that ancient Jain scientific thought is a rich source of Indian scientific heritage. The grand Jain spiritual tradition and its masters broadly influenced Indian thought and rationality in three key areas: Atomism, non-absolutism and mathematical concepts including the theory of numbers. As realists, a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the material world was important to Jain philosophers.

Read more here: » Jainism: Maths as Tool to Attain Mukti - Sacred Numbers

Buddhism: Origins of Buddhism

Legend has it that the Buddha to be, Siddhartha Gautama, was born around the 6th century BCE. His birthplace is said to be Lumbini in the kingdom of Magadha, in what is now Nepal. His father was a king, and Siddhartha lived in luxury, being spared all hardship.

Read more here: » Buddhism: Origins of Buddhism

Creative Math of the Origins of Universe

For the creation of anything three causes are required to be fulfilled: Material cause, instrumental cause and supporting cause. In Creation, Brahman is all of these three causes. He evolves Himself into Mulaprakriti or primordial matter.

Read more here: » Vedic Genesis: Creative Math of the Origins of Universe

Jainism: Tension of Opposites Central to Existence

According to Acharya Mahaprajna, opposition is a fundamental rule for existence. "There is no type of existence in which opposites do not co-exist. In a sense, existence may also be defined as the coming together of opposites. It is the principle of the quest for unity between two apparently different characteristics of a substance. It tries to point out that the characteristics which differences have, also have an identicality. Reconciliation, which is a principle of anekant , comes about only with the recognition of the identity principle.''

Read more here: » Tension of Opposites: Tension of Opposites Central to Existence

Afterife - Life After Death

An encyclopedia of different cultures mythology  around afterlife, including : Adiri, Ama-No-Hashidate: , Asamando, Asgard, Astral Plane, Avalon, Bralgu, Chalmecacivati, Ching Tu, Chinvato Peretav, Dilum, Djanna, Elysium, Fortunate Isle, Gwenved, Happy Hunting Ground, Hawaiki, Inkolwe, Isle of the Blest, Kevala, Khun-Lun, Ki-Agpga-Pod, Kotluwalawa, Land of the Moon, Lewu Liau, Limbo, Mizumu, Moksha, Mormon Heaven, Mount Kailasa, Mount Meru , New Age Afterlife, New Jerusalem, Nirvana, Otherworld, Sheol, Summerland, Tain, Tamoanchan, The Pole Star, Tlalocan, Tum and Valhalla.

Read more here: » Afterlife: Encyclopedia of Afterlife Mythology in Different Cultures

Jains feel that the values like love, joy and peace can be achieved only through caring for others, understanding the pain of others and reaching out to other human beings. Anger, confusion, egoism and intolerance cause harm to one's self and to the 'other'. But the negative energies suffocate, choke, distress and disturb. Love should not be in the form of words alone. It should reach out to people who need peace, mercy, joy, comfort, sympathy, food, clothing and medicines. This is love in its active, not passive manifestation, but true love is forgiveness for self sake.

Read more here: » Jainism: Forgiveness Is A Virtue

Karma Yoga Lesson X

The Karma Yogi that has got beyond selfishness; The modern problem; The substitute for Asceticism; Vicarious suffering; The East requires a different praxis; Schemes for the Western (Vani) social worker; His ideal to be the Sun; Sun worship; A mantra.

Read more here: » Karma Yoga: Karma Yoga - Lesson X (of XI )

Karma Yoga Lesson I

What the West thinks of Eastern Yogi methods; History of Karma Yoga Buddhist and Jain views thereof; Their Law of Karma The Hindu view and caste system; "In the beginning was the Deed"; Free will and Predestination; The doubter dissected; The Power and Nature of Faith; Mantra.

Read more here: » Karma Yoga: Karma Yoga - Lesson I (of XI )

How is Mahavira (599 to 527 BC), one of the Tirthankars of the Jain religion, relevant to modern times? After all he lived in an age when science had not brought about any revolutionary changes in the lifestyle of man. No BMWs, Pepsi, video parlours or McDonald's fast food joints were in existence then. Despite all the conveniences offered by the gadgets of science, there are moments when we feel that man's unrestrained accumulation and consumption are not an unmixed blessing.

Read more here: » Jainism: Mahavira, A Socialist

Vaastu vs. Feng Shui: An indian explanation of the difference between Vaastu Shastra and Feng Shui.

Read more here: » Vastu and Feng Shui: The difference between Vastu and Feng Shui