Principles and Ethics:
The supreme goal of Jains is to achieve Moksha, or to release their soul. To do this they must follow a set of principles and ethics. Their are five principles of living called Ahimsa, Brahmacarya, Satya, Asteya, and Aparigrahya.
Ahimsa is supreme non-violence. It is one of the central ideas of Jainism. They do not eat things that would kill a plant or animal, they can not work certain jobs, and in certain sects go naked and sweep where they walk to avoid killing small organisms. Brahmacarya is chaste living. Monks and nuns are required to live completely chaste, while lay jains are allowed to marry, but recommended to live chaste unless there is a need for a son. Satya is the principle of not telling lies. This is not only to other people, but to yourself as well. Asteya is not stealing. Aparigrahya is non-acquisition. For monks and nuns this means acquiring close to nothing, in the most extreme cases they have only a small water bowl. For lay Jains, this means they should avoid excess, and use only the things needed to support themselves and their family.
Jains also have three main ethics that are called the three jewels. There is the right faith, the right knowledge, and the right conduct. Without following these, a Jain cannot liberate his soul.
Ahimsa is supreme non-violence. It is one of the central ideas of Jainism. They do not eat things that would kill a plant or animal, they can not work certain jobs, and in certain sects go naked and sweep where they walk to avoid killing small organisms. Brahmacarya is chaste living. Monks and nuns are required to live completely chaste, while lay jains are allowed to marry, but recommended to live chaste unless there is a need for a son. Satya is the principle of not telling lies. This is not only to other people, but to yourself as well. Asteya is not stealing. Aparigrahya is non-acquisition. For monks and nuns this means acquiring close to nothing, in the most extreme cases they have only a small water bowl. For lay Jains, this means they should avoid excess, and use only the things needed to support themselves and their family.
Jains also have three main ethics that are called the three jewels. There is the right faith, the right knowledge, and the right conduct. Without following these, a Jain cannot liberate his soul.
Their Views on the Universe:
The jains believe that the universe is made up of layers. The top layer is the supreme abode, which is where the Siddhas (souls who are released from the cycle of reincarnation) live. There is an upper world, made up of thirty heavens, and the middle world, where we humans live. There are also hells. There is the Nigoda, which is where the most base forms of life go. The nether world is seven hells. There is universe space, which is the clouds that surround upper worlds, and space beyond: an infinite space with nothing in it. Their universe was not created by a single god. In their universe, there is a constant amount of energy, that constantly changes form and sustains the universe.
Karma and the Soul:
In Jain beliefs, karma is a physical substance that gathers around the soul with bad deeds. Unlike Buddhism, Jains believe in bad karma only. You accumulate karma by your bad deeds and thoughts, and achieve Moksha by releasing yourself from karma. You can get rid of karma, but it is a very long, slow process. The soul in Jainism is called Jiva. Your soul exists forever, either through
reincarnation or as a Siddha. There are different levels of the liberated souls. The soul is the thing that attracts karma when you do bad things. Your karma in this life affects where your soul is sent after reincarnation.
reincarnation or as a Siddha. There are different levels of the liberated souls. The soul is the thing that attracts karma when you do bad things. Your karma in this life affects where your soul is sent after reincarnation.
Deities:
The Jains do not worship any deities. They do not believe any deities exist. They venerate the Siddhas (liberated souls) and the tirkantharas. Since there are no gods, there is no godly judgement. Karma is the only thing that affects your sould, and your next life. Therefore, Jainism is a very "all or nothing" religion. Everything depends on your behavior, and there are little second chances.