Portal:Jainism
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Jainism (pronounced in English as /ˈdʒeɪ.nɪzm̩/), traditionally known as Jain Dharma (जैन धर्म) , is a classical religion with its origins in the prehistory of India. The Jains, although a small minority in India now, have continued to sustain the shraman (श्रमण) tradition. Jainism is significantly influential in both the ethical and economic spheres in India. Jainism places great stress on compassion to all living beings. Self-control (व्रत vrata in Sanskrit) forms a central part of being a Jain.
American Jainism: The Jains started arriving in significant numbers in the United States in the early 1970s. Now there are a number of Jain temples and institutions in the USA, and the number of Jains in the USA is probably greater than 100,000. Jainism in USA has developed a distinct characteristic.
The oldest Jain literature is in Ardha-Magadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit (Agamas, Agama-tulya, Siddhanta texts etc).
According to Jain beliefs, Jain philosophy is a codification of eternal universal truths which at times lapse among humanity, but later reappear through the teachings of human beings who have gained enlightenment or omniscience (Keval Gnan).
Lord Rishabha or Rishabha Deva who was the first Tirthankar of Jainism. Lord Rishabha was the first Tirthankar of our time, and hence is also called Adinatha, the First Lord. In Jain tradition, he is more than a Tirthankar. As a king, he is credited with development of several innovations affecting the society, as transition was being made from a simple to a more complex society.
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