January 2021 Level 1 Pathshala Book Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago Dear Parents, Jai Jinendra! Welcome to Level 1 Pathshala! This book is a work in progress. We have used multiple resources to create this book, which reflects the Level 1 curriculum at Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. Please provide any feedback you might have on the material in this book. Since the Level 1 students are between the ages of 5 & 6, we have tried to keep the content to their level. However, at times we have included deeper meanings to give context to parents. Please note that Jainism is very complex and this book attempts to simplify the learning for young children. In doing so, the completeness of the religion cannot be explained here. We hope that you find this book useful for your kids and even for yourself on your journey of learning about Jainism. We ask for forgiveness for any mistakes in this book. Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ Regards, Level 1 Pathshala Teachers
Transcript
January 2021
Level 1 Pathshala Book
Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago
Dear Parents,
Jai Jinendra! Welcome to Level 1 Pathshala!
This book is a work in progress. We have used multiple resources to create this book, which
reflects the Level 1 curriculum at Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago. Please provide any
feedback you might have on the material in this book. Since the Level 1 students are
between the ages of 5 & 6, we have tried to keep the content to their level. However, at times
we have included deeper meanings to give context to parents. Please note that Jainism is
very complex and this book attempts to simplify the learning for young children. In doing so,
the completeness of the religion cannot be explained here. We hope that you find this book
useful for your kids and even for yourself on your journey of learning about Jainism.
We ask for forgiveness for any mistakes in this book. Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ
Regards,
Level 1 Pathshala Teachers
Page 1
CHAPTER 1 - OUR RELIGION, DERASAR AND DARSHAN .......................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 2 - THE THREE JEWELS – RATNATRAYA .................................................................................................................... 6
CHAPTER 3 - THE THREE A’S...................................................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 4 - FIVE JAIN PRINCIPLES .......................................................................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER 5 - MEANING OF SATHIYO (SWASTIKA) ................................................................................................................. 10
CHAPTER 6 - FOUR BHAVANAS (THOUGHTS) ........................................................................................................................ 12
CHAPTER 9 – THE SOUL AND KARMA THEORY ...................................................................................................................... 17
CHAPTER 10 – THIRTHANKARS AND PANCH KALYANAK ....................................................................................................... 18
CHAPTER 11 - PANCH PARMESHTI AND MEANING OF NAMOKAR MANTRA ...................................................................... 21
CHAPTER 13 - GO GREEN WITH THE 3 R’S .............................................................................................................................. 24
CHAPTER 14 - KAAL CHAKRA: THE JAIN COSMIC WHEEL OF TIME ........................................................................................ 26
CHAPTER 15 - LIFE OF ADINATH BHAGWAN .......................................................................................................................... 28
CHAPTER 16 - LIFE OF MAHAVIR BHAGWAN ......................................................................................................................... 29
CHAPTER 17 - LIFE OF PARSHVANATH BHAGWAN (ROUGH DRAFT!) ................................................................................... 30
CHAPTER 18 - LIFE OF NEMINATH BHAGWAN ....................................................................................................................... 32
CHAPTER 22 - PARYUSHAN & DAS LAXANA ........................................................................................................................... 37
CHAPTER 23 - OTHER RELIGIONS ............................................................................................................................................ 38
CHAPTER 24 - ASHTA PRAKÄRI PUJÄ (EIGHT TYPES OF PUJÄ FOR TIRTHANKAR) ................................................................ 41
CHAPTER 25 - SIGNIFICANCE OF DIWALI FOR JAINS .............................................................................................................. 44
What is religion (dharma)? Religion has rituals that help you live your life in the right way. Our dharma is called Jainism and we are called Jains. Religion is not the same as language, like Gujarati or Hindi or English. It is not where you are from like Indian, Mexican, or Italian. When we meet each other, we say “Jai Jinendra”. This means that we are giving honor to the Jinas. We hope to follow the principles of the Jinas. Jinas are the same as Tirthankaras or Arihantas. Tirthankaras are souls that have reached Moksha. When we learn about our religion, we learn how to be like the Tirthankaras and also reach Moksha one day. Moksha means you are liberated or free from the cycle of life and birth. Jains should practice saying Jai Jinendra to their friends, family and teachers. You can say Jai Jinendra in the morning, afternoon or night. You can say it face to face, on the phone, in an email or text message. It will
remind us to be like the Tirthankaras. Jai Jinendra!
Where do we pray? The place that Jains go to pray is called a Derasar. The Derasar usually has a tower or dome called the Shikhar at the roof with a Jain flag at the top.
Derasar Why do we pray? Jains worship the Tirthankaras so that they can become more like them. Jains do not ask the Tirthankaras for any favors or wishes. How do we pray? . Next, we use the Dhoop, Divo, Mirror and fan (Darpan), Chamar and bell Now You can do Chaitya Vandan with the help of your family. You can also do “Ang Puja” if you are wearing puja clothes (clean clothes that you did not eat in or use the bathroom in). For Ang Puja, you have to go inside the “Gabharo” to touch the idols. We will learn more about 8 types of puja (Ashtaprakari Puja) in another chapter. You can ring the bell in the temple at the end. As you leave the temple you say “Avarshi, Avarshi, Avarshi”. You are saying that you will come back to the temple soon.
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Pictures of Doing Darshan in Temple 1. Going to the temple
After taking a bath and wearing clean clothes we go to the temple.
2. Jain Flag (Dhaja)
Once we arrive to the temple and see the “Dhaja” or Jain flag we say “Namo Jinanam”.
3. Entering the derasar
Once we enter the lobby, we remove our shoes and put them in the shoe room.
4. Put on Tilak Say Nisihi, Nisihi, Nisihi
(leave all thoughts behind)
We put "Tilak" or "Chandlo" on our forehead
which shows our belief in Jainism values. As we enter the derasar we say “Nisihi, Nisihi, Nisihi”. When we say this, we are saying that we are not going to have any other thoughts while we are in the temple.
5. Mulnayak Tirthankaras in Gabharo
We pray to main (Mulnayak) bhagwans in the Gabharo. We can’t go inside unless we have puja clothes on.
6. Go around Bhumti - 3 times
(Pradakshina)
Then we go around the "Bhumti" 3 times. The Bhumti is where they have the idols of all 24 Tirthankaras. We go around 3 times to remind us of the 3 jewels: 1) Right conduct, 2) Right knowledge and 3) Right faith.
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7. Pray to Devis and other idols around the Rangmandap
8. Dhup
9. Divo
10. Darpan
11. Chamar
12. Ring Bell
13. Do Sathyio
14. Do Navkarwali
108 beads
15. Put money in the bhandar
You can put money in the Bhandar to help take care of the temple.
16. Chaityavandan
17. Khamasanu (bow down 3 times while reciting
Icchami Khamasnu)
18. Avarshi, Avarshi, Avarshi (I promise to be back)
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Classroom Activity: 1) Paint & decorate mini Derasar using wooden treasure boxes.
2) Learn proper way to bow down during khamasnu using 2 hands folded, bent knees and forehead touching the ground. 3) Watch this video which gives an introduction to the Jain religion, its practitioners and its central beliefs. Jainism 101 - YJA Pathshala: https://youtu.be/Vy1tfCROtWE Homework: 1. Practice saying these Jain phrases and their meanings:
• Jai Jinendra
• Namo Jinanam
• Nishi Nishi Nisihi
• Avarshi Avarshi Avarshi 2. Identify all the items in the Derasar and practice all the steps. References: https://jainworld.com/education/jain-education-material/beginner-level/jain-temple/ http://jainpuja.com/jin_puja.htm YJA Pathshala - Going to Temple: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz_zRJcj0HSpRm1VTU9oYi05M0U/view
The Ratnatraya are the three jewels of Jainism. We must first learn what this is before learning other steps to practice Jainism.
1. Samyak Darshan (Right Faith or Perception)/Vision – this includes having total faith in the Tirthankaras, Jain Gurus, and scriptures.
2. Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge) – We should have right knowledge about Jainism. This includes understanding the separateness of the soul and body, the effects of karma, and the cycle of life and death.
3. Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct) – We must follow Jain rituals and principles. This includes practicing the 3 A’s: non-violence, non-absolutism, and non-possessiveness.
All three of the jewels must be done in the correct order. First, we must have right faith. Then we can learn what Jainism teaches to get right knowledge. Finally, we use the right knowledge to practice Jainism such as following the Five Principles.
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Chapter 3 - The Three A’s
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence) - to cause no harm to all living beings with our actions, thoughts, or speech. One way to practice this is by being vegetarian or vegan.
2. Aparighara (Non-possessiveness) – to not be attached to material things, people, and places. A way to
practice this is to donate items that belong to you, but you no longer need.
3. Anekantavad (Non-Absolutism) – to be aware that there can be more than one side to a story. This helps us understand each other better.
Six Blind Men and an Elephant - A story about Anekantavad The story says that six blind men were asked to tell what an elephant looked like by feeling different parts of the elephant's body. The blind man who feels a leg says the elephant is like a pillar; the one who feels the tail says the elephant is like a rope; the one who feels the trunk says the elephant is like a tree branch; the one who feels the ear says the elephant is like a hand fan; the one who feels the belly says the elephant is like a wall; and the one who feels the tusk says the elephant is like a solid pipe. A king explains to them: All of you are right. The reason every one of you is telling it differently is because each one of you touched the different part of the elephant. So, actually the elephant has all the features you mentioned.
Another Example:
Perspective: 1. The glass is half full. 2. The glass is half empty. 3. The glass is half full and half empty. 4. The glass is not full. 5. The glass is not empty. 6. The glass is neither full nor empty. 7. The glass can be either full or empty.
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Chapter 4 - Five Jain Principles
The five Jain principles are followed by Jains to lead them to the path of liberation. They are also known as the “Maha Vrata” or “Five Great Vows”. 4. Ahimsa (Non-violence) - to cause no harm to all living beings with our actions, thoughts, or speech.
One way to practice this is by being vegetarian or vegan.
Action Hurting others with our body
Thoughts Hurting others by
thinking bad things
Speech Hurting others with words
we say
5. Satya (Truth) - to always speak the truth without hurting anyone. 6. Aparighara (Non-possessiveness) – to not be attached to material things, to people and places. A way
to practice this is to donate items that belong to you, but you no longer need. Another way is to not purchase more than what is needed.
7. Asteya (non-stealing) - not to take anything without asking permission. 8. Brahmacharya (Celibacy) – Abstinence from sensual pleasures and the pleasure derived from the five
senses. (This is not discussed in Level 1).
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Classroom activity: Craft:
1. Make a flower with 5 petals and write principle on each petal.
2. Watch YJA Pathshala Video - The five vrats: https://youtu.be/eIzBVt0RyuU 3. What is the matching principle for each story?
Truth It was Anuj's birthday on Monday, but that was a school day. Anuj asked his mom if she could call the school and tell them he was sick. Then they could spend the day at the park and pool and have a great celebration. Non-Stealing Raju went to his friend, Ankit's house for a playdate. Ankit had these matchbox cars that Raju really wanted. Raju's parents wouldn't buy them for him. So, Raju wanted to take one of Ankit's cars and put it in his pocket. Ankit had a lot of them anyway. Then Raju remembered one of the principles of Jainism and decided that it wasn’t the right thing to do. Non-Violence Juhi and Maya were playing with their dolls. Then Maya started taking all the doll stuff and not sharing with Juhi. Juhi got upset and pushed Maya to the ground. Non-Possessiveness Jainie's mom took Janie to the mall to play in the playground with her friend. While she was playing, she noticed a shiny, sparkly, pink bow for sale at the store. Jainie said, Mom, can we please buy that bow! I don't have one like that. Jainie's mom said you have 10 bows and even a pink one. You don't need another one. So, Janie, said she will first donate the bows she does not use and then she will buy a new one.
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Chapter 5 - Meaning of Sathiyo (Swastika)
The sathiyo is a Jain symbol for “well-being”. We use rice to create a sathiyo in the Derasar. The sathiyo has 4 arms. Each arm of the sathiyo shows the ways we can live. These four arms are called gatis. These are the four gatis: 1. Human beings (Manushya) – this is the only gati that can help you reach moksha. When you are a human
you are able to think better than any other living beings. When you can think, you can do the right things to get rid of your karma to go to moksha. The arm of this part of the sathiyo points up to moksha.
2. Heavenly beings (Devas) – they have a very good life but cannot reach moksha because they like to live in
the happy, perfect life that they have. 3. Animals & Plants (Tiryancha) – They cannot reach because they cannot think as well as humans. 4. Hellish beings (Naraki) - They definitely cannot reach moksha because they are always fighting and causing
harm and pain to others. What are three dots above the sathiyo? We usually put three dots above the sathiyo. Each dot stands for the three jewels. Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct). It must be in this order. What is the crescent with a dot above the sathiyo? The crescent shape above the three dots shows us where the Siddhas live. This is called Siddhashila. The Siddhas have freed their souls from being born as any of the gatis. Why do we use rice? Rice is a grain that cannot grow again if we plant it. We want to be like the rice that will not be born again and again. We want to reach moksha. What items do we put on the sathiyo? Siddhashila – put Fruit Middle of sathiyo – put sweet (naivedya) 3 jewels – coins (to give up possessiveness)
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Classroom activity: Decorate a sathiyo.
Homework: Draw a sathiyo and label it correctly with all 4 gatis, three jewels and Siddhashila. Circle the gati on the sathiyo that will lead us to Moksha. Watch this YJA Pathshala Video on the Sathiyo: https://youtu.be/Gez13THaw1M
Our Jain religion has the following four thoughts that we should practice in our daily life. If we learn and follow these thoughts, we can avoid doing karma.
1. Maitri Bhavana (Thinking of being a Friend) Lord Mahavir said that we must be friends with all living beings. Friendship helps us show love and respect for each other. It stops us from being mean.
2. Karuna Bhavana (Thinking of Compassion) This means caring for people, animals, insects who are less fortunate than us.
3. Madhyastha Bhavana (Think to staying neutral or uninvolved) Being neutral means to not get very upset if someone doesn’t understand you.
4. Pramod Bhavana (Thinking of Appreciation) In this bhavana we are happy for what our friends have. This bhavna will destroy the bad thoughts of jealousy.
Classroom Activity:
1. Make a kite with 4 bows that show each bhavana.
2. Make spoon people and act out 4 bhavanas
3. Watch YJA Pathshala Video – Jain Bhavnas: https://youtu.be/esqJ7XNlqUM 4. Determine which bhavna is associated with each story:
a) Anya and Nina are best friends. They do everything together, they play at the park together, they
play with their dolls and they eat snacks together. One day Anya broke one of Nina’s toys on
accident. Nina could have gotten very angry with Anya, but because they are friends she was forgiving and knew she didn’t do it on purpose. She didn’t say anything mean to Anya. (Maitri - Friendship)
b) During Paryushan, Rohan decided to do upvas. His parents were so proud of him. His brother, Rahul, was not able to do the fast. Everyone was so happy for Rohan that he fasted the entire day. Even Rahul was proud of his brother even though he was not able to do it and did not get any attention. (Pramod - Appreciation)
c) One spring day Parshv was coming home from school and saw little baby bunnies in the bushes. He went closer to look at them and found that one bunny was hurt and couldn’t hop like the others. Parshv ran home and told his parents right away. His parents called the animal control people and they came and rescued the bunny. (Karuna - Compassion)
d) Priya’s friend at school, Isabella, asked Priya, “How can you be a vegetarian, isn’t it so hard?” Priya tried to explain to her friend that being vegetarian is not hard and it is the right thing to do so we don’t harm any animals. Isabella kept arguing with Priya that it is not easy to be vegetarian and that she shouldn’t be vegetarian. Instead of arguing with Isabella even more, she told her that she didn’t want to talk about it with her anymore and she walked away. (Madhyastha - Neutrality)
Homework: Listen to Maitri Bhavna Pavitra Zarnu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIwIC5TLMpY Discuss Lyrics:
Friendship: May the sacred stream of amity flow forever in my heart. May the universe prosper, such is my cherished desire.
Appreciation: May my heart sing with ecstasy at the sight of the virtuous May my life be an offering at their feet.
Compassion: May my heart bleed at the sight of the wretched, the cruel, the irreligious. May tears of compassion flow from my eyes.
Neutrality: May I always be there to show the path to the pathless wanderers of life. Yet if they should not hearken to me, may I bide in patience. May the spirit of goodwill enter all our hearts. May we all sing in chorus the immortal song of human concord.
Reference: http://www.jainology.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Maitri-Bhavnu.pdf JES 102 E-3 – Jainism I – Basics of Jainism
Jiv is a being that has a soul is living. There are many types of living beings. People are living beings that we think about the most. People can breathe, eat, taste food, drink, hear sounds, sleep, grow old and die. People can feel happy or feel sad. We will also learn about other living creatures, like animals, birds and plants that have jiv. All living beings have senses. Senses are what help living beings live. There are 5 types of senses:
1. Touch – I feel warmth or cold with my skin. 2. Taste – I taste if something is sweet, sour or bitter with my tongue. 3. Smell – I smell roses or a skunk with my nose. 4. Sight – I see colors and pictures and everything around me with my eyes. 5. Hear – I hear the thunder or the dog barking and many other sounds with my ears.
All Jiv is categorized into 5 groups, depending on how many senses they have:
Number of Senses Senses Example One Sensed Living Beings (Ekindriya)
Touch This includes the earth and plants, water, fire and air. These beings cannot move on their own.
Two Sensed Living Beings (Beindriya)
Touch, Taste Termite
Three Sensed Living Beings (Treindriya)
Touch, Taste, Smell Centipede
Four Sensed Living Beings (Chaurindriya)
Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight
Fly
Five Sensed Living Beings (Panchindriya)
Touch, Taste, Smell, Sight, Hearing
People, animals like cow, elephant, dog, cat, etc.
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Ajiv – Non-living things that do not have feelings. They do not have any of the senses. Just because it is a non-living thing it does not mean that we should not treat it with respect. We should not harm non-living things on purpose.
Why is this knowledge about Jiv, Ajiv and the 5 senses important? Life cannot exist without food to eat and we cannot have food without some sort of violence. However, as Jains, we believe in minimizing violence. It is more harmful if we kill a life of a higher consciousness (more than one sense). Based on this belief, eating vegetables (one sense) is less violent than killing an animal with 5 senses. Homework:
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Chapter 8 - Paap & Punya
Paap (bad karma) is an action that causes pain to someone or something else. It is a bad deed. Punya (good karma) is the opposite of Paap. It is a good deed. Examples of Paap: Stealing, Fighting, Saying bad things about others Examples of Punya: Donating money to needy, helping others in need, doing Jain rituals Homework: Watch this YJA Pathshala Video on the 9 Tattvas. In this book, we only cover the first 4 tattvas. https://youtu.be/rCR4bIdjOLY
What is a soul in Jainism? A soul or atma is something that lives in every living being. When the living being is alive, the good karma (punya) and bad karma (paap) will stick to the soul. When living beings die, their soul will move to another living being. This is the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Depending on how much karma the soul has stuck to it, in the next life they will be re-born with 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 sense beings. As Jains, we try to remove these karmas by following the 3 jewels, Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, Samyak Charitra. When all the karma is removed, we can reach moksha and not continue the cycle of birth and death.
Classroom Activity: 1. Watch video – YJA Pathshala – Jainisim 101 Karma Theory: https://youtu.be/ka9JBdh4k64 2. Craft to cover a light bulb with colored paper. Reference: YJA Pathshala – Acquiring Karma: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxocjdg-wQJ7X25JdXdNeU0yajg/view YJA Pathshala – Basics of Karma Theory: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxocjdg-wQJ7NmNBQ011MXM1M0U/view Homework: Read A Soul in Jainism by YJA Pathshala : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz_zRJcj0HSpbXhZTVJwMDF3Yjg/view
What is a Tirthankara? Tirthankaras or bhagwans are different in Jainism compared to bhagwans in any other religion. These bhagwans do not give life or take away life or make our wishes come true. Actually, they were regular people who followed the Jain principles and destroyed the karmas to gain enlightenment, Kevalygyan(ultimate knowledge). The thing that makes them different from other human beings is that they use their knowledge to organize society and teach about Jainism and how they can also get rid of their karmas. Panch means five and kalyanak means auspicious (very good) event. Every Tirthankara has five major events in their life that Jains celebrate.
1. Chyavana Kalyanak (Garbh/Conception) - This is the moment when the soul of our Tirthankara enters the womb(tummy) of his mother. During this time, the mother of the Tirthankara sees 14 dreams (Shwetambar Sect) or 16 dreams (Digambar Sect). These dreams tell the people that a Tirthankara will be born.
2. Janma Kalyana- This is the event when the Tirthankara is born into a human body. The Indra Dev then takes the baby to Mt. Meru (Meru Parvat) and performs Abhishek. This means he bathes the baby with milk. We usually perform Snatra Puja to symbolize this event. We celebrate the birth of Mahavir bhagwan in March or April at an event called Mahavir Janma Kalyanak.
3. Diksha Kalyanak - This is the event when the Tirthankara gives up all his/her worldly possessions and becomes a sadhu or sadhvi (monk/nun). (Digambar sect does not believe that women can become Tirthankara or be liberated.)
4. Kevalgyan Kalyanak - This is the event when Tirthankara destroys the four ghati karmas completely and attains the Kevalgnana (absolute knowledge). Celestial angels set up a Samavasaran for Tirthankara Bhagwan from where he/she delivers the first lecture. The Samavasaran is a three-layered circular structure with a sacred Ashok tree at its center. This is the most important event of the Tirthankara’s life. In this stage bhagwan teaches about Jainism to all the people and even to the animals.
5. Nirvana Kalyanak (Moksh) - This event is when a Tirthankara is liberated from the human body and becomes a Siddha. On this day, the Tirthankara destroys the four aghati karmas completely, and attains salvation, the state of eternal bliss.
Snatra Puja: The Snatra Puja is done in temple in front of Bhagawan’s Idol. We place a small, brass or bronze idol of Bhagawan (usually Shantinath Bhagawan) in a Sinhasan (or a throne) on top of three tables. Three tables and the Sinhasan symbolizes the Meru mountain where Indra Maharaja performed the celebration of Tirthanka’s birth.
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Reference:
Chyavan (Conception) Kalyanak
Panch Kalayanks 5 Stages of Life of a Thirthankar
- Bhagwan comes into a mother’s womb (tummy)
Janma (Birth) Kalyanak
Diksha Kalyanak
- Bhagwan is born - We celebrate Mahavir Janma Kalayank
– He gives up all his things. He does prayers and meditation and begins the life of a monk/sadhu.
Kevalgyan Kalyanak
Nirvan Kalyanak
– He obtains omniscience, which is a lot of knowledge. He teaches Jainism to humans, animals.
He becomes a bhagwan and leaves this world. He has attained Moksh.
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YJA Pathshala: Jain Tirthankaras - https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz_zRJcj0HSpaUxlMERIQVIzZDA/view Classroom Activity: 1. Watch YJA Pathshala video – Jain Tirthankaras: https://youtu.be/ZQVz-Mz4TIA 2. Make a mini book using the pictures above. Homework: Tell which Kalyanak is described: 1.The soul of the Tirthankara leaves the human body and becomes a Siddha. 2. The Tirthankara’s soul is born into a human body. 3. The Tirthankara has all the knowledge. 4. The prince leaves his palace and gives up all of his belongings. 5. The mother of the Tirthankara has 14 or 16 dreams.
Chapter 11 - Panch Parmeshti and Meaning of Namokar Mantra
The Navakar Mantra is the most important prayer in Jainism. While reciting the prayer we bow respectfully to the Arihantas ,Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyays, and Sadhus and Sadhvis. Together, they are called the Panch Paramesthis (five great entities or five supreme beings). Arihantas – The Arihantas have all knowledge. They spend all their time to teach and spread the belief in Jainism. They also have destroyed all the inner enemies such as Anger, Ego, Deceit and Greed. They are also known as “Kevali”, “Tirthankara”, “Jina” Siddhas – The Siddhas are souls that are liberated. They have attained Moksha. They do not have a body anymore and they will not continue the cycle of life and death. Acharyas – The Acharyas are spiritual leaders in the Jain community. They know how to read the language that is written in the Aagams. The Aagams are more than 1,000 year old Jain religious books. Upadhyays – The Upadhyays are Sadhus that have learned the Agams. They teach about Jainism to Sadhu’s and Sadhvis. Sadhus and Sadhvis - Sadhu or Sadhvi is a regular person that has taken Diksha. This means that they have made a promise to follow the 5 principles of Jainism very strictly for the rest of their life. They leave their regular life behind. They do not own homes, they do not own many clothes (only white cloth), they do not own cars and they won’t even ride in a car, train or an airplane. They follow a strict Jain diet, drink boiled water and don’t eat after sunset or before sunrise. Shravaks & Shravikas - These are Jains, like you and me, that are doing the best to follow the five principles in everyday life. Shravaks & Shravikas are not mentioned in the Navakar Mantra. However, by reciting the mantra, we hope to be like the Panch Parmeshti one day. Together Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaks and Shravikas are called Chaturvidh Sangh. Classroom Activity: Make 5 petal flower of the Panch Parmeshthi
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Homework: Multiple choice:
1. The Panch Parmeshthi are: a. Five principles of Jainism b. Four bhavnas that we follow c. Five friends that are Jain d. 5 Supreme beings that we bow down to in the Namokar Mantra
2. Circle the entities that form Chaturvidh Sangh. 3. Circle the Panch Parmeshthi:
a. Acharyas b. Ahimsa c. Sadhus & Sadhvis d. Upadhyays
e. Maitri f. Queen Trishala Mata g. Arihants h. Siddhas
4. Which one of the below pictures has no body, only a liberated soul?
Arihantas Siddhas Acharyas
Upadhyays Sadhus Sadhvis
a. Acharyas b. Upadhyays c. Sadhus d. Arihants
e. Sadhvis f. Queen Trishala Mata g. Shravaks h. Shravikas
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Chapter 12 - Jain Food Plate
Jains choose the food they eat very carefully. As a Jain, you want to eat a healthy & compassionate meal. You want to make sure that there weren’t any animals hurt or killed for your food. Jains also do not believe in eating root vegetables such as onions, garlic, and potatoes. The United States government gives advice to people about how to eat a healthy meal by dividing your plate into four parts.
In a Jain food plate, half of your plate should have vegetables and fruit. The other half will have whole grains, legumes and nuts. Of course, all of us like to eat yummy sweet and savory treats that don’t belong on the healthy plate. You can definitely have it sometimes. However, you should be very careful to read ingredients while grocery shopping for all food. Be sure that your tasty treats don’t have ingredients like gelatin, eggs or any other animal products. It’s not worth harming animals just to eat a marshmallow that has gelatin in it. Classroom Activity: Draw your favorite foods on your Jain Food Plate. Also, bring in pictures of Jain food for poster board.
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Chapter 13 - Go Green with the 3 R’s
What does it mean to be green? "Green" is more than just a color. It also means taking special steps to protect the environment — the water, the land, and the air we breathe. Why green? Plants are green, and without them the Earth wouldn't be such a lovely home for us human beings. There is an easy way to remember how to be greener. You just have to follow the three R’s. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Every day, people make choices that affect the amount of trash and pollution that gets produced in our world. What can you do? A whole lot, actually. Here's a 3-step guide to being green:
1. Reduce the amount of stuff you buy, use and throw away. 2. Reuse stuff when you can. 3. Recycle cans, bottles, paper, books, clothes and even toys.
Reduce It! When you use less of something, you do a good thing for the Earth. For instance, a shorter shower means you used less water and less fuel since your house uses fuel to run the water heater that warmed up the water. Here's a list of other stuff you can reduce:
• Turn off lights you're not using. Better yet, encourage your parents to switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. They last longer and use less energy. They do need to be disposed of properly, though, so make sure your mom or dad helps if one breaks.
• Turn off the water when you're brushing your teeth.
• When you can, walk or ride your bike instead of driving in the car. You'll use less gas — and get some exercise!
• Unplug the chargers for your phone and MP3 player when you're not using them.
• Put your computer to "sleep" instead of leaving it on with the screensaver running.
• Reduce what you purchase like clothing, shoes, houseware because when you don’t want them anymore, most of it will end up in a landfill because not everything can be recycled or reused.
Reuse It! Sometimes people call ours a "throwaway society." That means that we're a little too willing to throw away old stuff and buy new stuff. Many times, even if you no longer need something, someone else just might. For instance, if your baby brother outgrows his plastic basketball hoop, why not give it to another family who has a little kid? That's one less plastic basketball set that they need to buy. It's also one less large plastic toy that needs to be produced, packaged, and shipped to the toy store.
Here are some additional ways to reuse the stuff you have:
• Use rechargeable batteries for your handheld computer games, MP3 players, cell phones, and digital cameras.
• Choose reusable travel cups instead of disposable paper or plastic cups.
• Take your own bags — preferably reusable ones — when you go to the grocery store.
• Drink tap water instead of buying bottled water. If you don't like how your tap water tastes, a low-cost filtration system could make a difference. Get a reusable water bottle so you can take it with you.
• Organize a swap among your friends. What can you swap? Books, toys, even clothes. It's a way for everyone to get something new without spending any money and without throwing a bunch of stuff away. Set aside some items for your swap when you're cleaning your room!
• Take paper from your computer printouts and use the other side for more computer printing or just to draw or doodle on.
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Recycle It! Recycling has never been easier. Many communities will pick it up right in front of your house and some towns even require it. Tell your mom or dad you want to become "Chief of Recycling" for your household. That means you'll organize the recyclable items in bins, remember to put them on the curb on recycling day, and help remind others which items can be rinsed and recycled. By separating plastic bottles, cans, bottles, and more, you're reducing the amount of trash that goes to the landfill. What's a landfill? A big mountain of trash, where all the trash trucks go to dump their loads. Recycled goods go instead to a recycling center, where they can be crushed, broken down, and later turned into new cans, bottles, and paper. Classroom Activity: Watch this video about the Three R’s https://youtu.be/8DJ45Yc3urg Resources: http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/go_green.html#
Chapter 14 - Kaal Chakra: The Jain Cosmic wheel of time
Jainism believes that time is continuous in a circular way similar to the hours of the clock. Just like a clock is divided in 12 hours, the Jain time cycle is divided in 2 halves called Avsarpini (descending) and Utsarpini (ascending). Each half is divided in 6 time periods called “aras”. The first ara is a time period when the world has enough of everything like food and water and there are no poor or hungry people. However, by the 3rd and 4th ara the situation in the world gets bad and there is war, hunger and poverty. During the end of the 3rd ara Rishabhdev bhagwan was born. During the 4th ara the rest of the 23 Tirthankaras are born. Religion is needed to guide the people during these aras. The 5th ara is where we are currently in the Avasarpini cycle. We will have to pass through the 6th ara before things will gradually become better in the Utsarpini cycle.
Fun Facts about each ara: 1. Sukham Sukham Kal – People were 6 miles tall, there was a wishing tree, they lived a long, long time, everybody was
a twin, there was endless amount of food and water. 2. Sukham Kal – Everything got a little less, but still the world was a very happy place. 3. Sukham Dukham Kal – The first tirthankara, Rishabdev, is born. Jainism is introduced. The world becomes a less
happy place, and the wishing tree stops working. 4. Dukham Sukham Kal – The rest of the 23 tirthankaras are born. 5. Dukham Kal -This is the time period that we are currently in. 6. Dukham Dukham Kal – This is the saddest time period where religion doesn’t even exist. Classroom Activity:
1. Make Kaal Chakra craft 2. Watch YJA video on Jain Time Cycle: https://youtu.be/5RrDpSNr8RA
Source: YJA Pathshala – Jain Time Cycle: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz_zRJcj0HSpR2JQM0wwcDhiaVE/view http://www.umich.edu/~umjains/jainismsimplified/chapter06.html
Homework: 1. What part of the time cycle is going on now? a.Utsarpini b.Avsarpini 2. What ara is going on now? a.3rd b.4th c.5th 3. In which ara was Rishabhdev Bhagwan born in? a.2nd b. 3rd c.4th 4. In which ara was Mahavir swami Bhagwan born in? a.2nd b.3rd c.4th 5. Which is the longest ara in Avsarpini? a.1st b.6th c.3rd
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Chapter 15 - Life of Adinath Bhagwan
Adinath Bhagwan Facts Tirthankara Number: 1 Mother: Marudeva Father: Nabhiraja Birthplace: Ayodhya Other name: Rishabhdev (Rishabh means bull) Lanchan (Symbol): Bull Nirvan place: Mount Ashtapad Rishabdev was the only Tirthankara born in the 3rd ara. Rishabhdev existed before civilization developed. He taught people agriculture, tending of animals, cooking, and more. He invented the alphabets, language, and the numbers along with the tools for writing. He also established systems of architecture, music, dance and other crafts. Rishabdev was married to Sunanda and Sumangala. He had one hundred and one sons and two daughters. Sumangala gave birth to Bharat, Brahmi and ninety eight other sons. Sunanda gave birth to Bahubali and Sundari. His eldest son was King Bharat. India was named Bhārata after him. His second son was Bahubali, whose statue stands at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka as well as at . Lord Rishabdev was took diksha and he set out in search of ahara or food. He went from place to place seeking food, however since people were not aware that the Jain sadhus did not ask for food, they gave him offerings of various other things. People of Ayodhya offered him gold, gemstones, elephants etc but no one offered him any food. Finally, a year later, his own grandson Shreyansha Kumara understood Rishabhdev’s quest and offered him some sugarcane juice which Rishabdev finally broke his fast with. This ritual is now known as Varshitap. When doing this tap, Jains will fast every other day for about a year. At the end of varshitap, Jains break the fast by drinking sugar cane juice.
Homework:
1. Who are Rishabdev’s parents? 2. What is Rishabdev’s symbol? 3. What did Rishabdev invent? 4. What is varshitap?
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Chapter 16 - Life of Mahavir Bhagwan
Mahavir Swami Facts Tirthankara Number: 24 Mother: Queen Trishala Father: King Siddartha Birthplace: Vaishali (Kshatriyakund) Name at birth: Vardhaman Lanchan (Symbol): Lion Age of Diksha: 30 years old Age of Kevalgyan: 42 years old Age of Nirvana: 72 years old Nirvan place: Pavapuri Mahavir Janma Kalyanak – Vardhaman’s birthday is one of the most important Jain holidays celebrated all over the world. The story of Mahavir Swami: Mahavira was born to King Siddartha and Queen Trishala in the town of Vaishali (Kshatriyakund). While in his mother's womb, it is believed he brought wealth and prosperity to the entire kingdom, which is why he was named Vardhaman. An increase of all good things, like the bloom of beautiful flowers, fruits, vegetables and grains was noticed in the kingdom after his conception. Queen Trishala had a number of auspicious dreams before giving birth to Vardhaman (14 according to the Svetambaras and 16 according to the Digambaras). These dreams predicted that a great soul would be born. Jain tradition states that after his birth, the king of the gods, Indra, bathed him in heavenly milk at Mount Meru. Vardhaman's birthday is celebrated as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, the most important religious holiday of Jains around the world. At the age of thirty, Mahavira took diksha. He left his kingdom and family. He had given up all of his possessions, including his clothes, and lived an extremely simple life. He spent twelve years as a Sadhu. During these years he spent most of his time meditating. He cared the most for living beings, including humans, animals and plants, and avoided harming them. His courage and bravery earned him the name Mahavira. At the age of 72 years, he attained nirvana in Pavapuri on the last day of the Indian and Jain calendars, Diwali. Jains celebrate this as the day he attained liberation or moksha. Reference: YJA Pathshala – Life of Mahavir: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxocjdg-wQJ7amphVVh3cl84RDg/view
Chapter 17 - Life of Parshvanath Bhagwan (Rough Draft!)
Parshvanath Swami Facts Tirthankara Number: 23 Mother: Queen Vāmādevi Father: King Aśvasena Birthplace: Varanasi (Banaras) Other Names: It is said that Parshvanath bhagwan has 108 different names Lanchan (Symbol): Serpent Age of Diksha: 30 years old Age of Kevalgyan: 30 years old Age of Nirvana: 100 years old Nirvan place: Samet Shikar Yakshini Devi : Padmavati Devi Story of Parshva Kumar and Kamath: Once upon a time there was a yogi named Kamath. He was doing a special puja with fire that he thought would help him reduce his karmas. Many people saw him doing the puja with the fire and thought it was amazing therefore worshipped Kamath. However, when young prince Parshva kumar came to know this, he realized the violence of living beings involved in a fire. He came there and tried to convince Kamath that living beings were getting killed in the fire. Kamath did not believe that his fire was causing any problems and he continued with the fire puja. Parshva kumar had special powers and could see that there were two snakes stuck in the wood that was put in the fire. He asked his men to take out that wood. To the surprise of all the people watching the puja, two burnt snakes came out of the burning piece of wood. Before the snakes died, Parshva Kumar recided the Navkar mantra for them. The snakes were reborn as Dharnemdra and Padmavati Devi. Kamath became very annoyed by this interference but was unable to do anything at that time. Kamath was reborn as Meghmali, the lord of rain. Once, while Parshva kumar was in meditation, Meghmali saw him. He remembered how Parshvanath had stopped him from finishing his fire puja in his previous life. He decided to take revenge. By his supernatural power, he brought forth all kinds of fierce and harmful animals like elephants, lions, leopards, snakes etc. As Lord Parshvanath was very focused on meditation, it did not bother him. So then, Meghmali brought on lots of rain. The rainwater touched the feet of Parshvanath and started filling up. It came up to his knees and then to his waist and in no time, it came up to his neck. Dharnemdra noticed that Parshvanath was going to drown in rising flood water. He immediately came there and placed a quick growing lotus below the feet of the Lord so that he could stay above water. Then he spread his fangs all across the head and the sides of the Lord in order to protect him from pouring rain. Meghmali realized that there was no use to try to hurt Parshva Kumar and finally gave up. Key Message: Parshva kumar demonstrated a very keen sense of non-violence and detachment from all things and people. These are the qualities, which are essential for attaining self-realization. He showed us that one should be detached and impartial regardless of whether a person is our well- wisher or ill wisher. We may not always know the reason why a person behaves in a strange way towards us. It may very well be because of karma from a past life.
Tirthankara Number: 22 Mother: Queen Shiva Devi Father: King Samudravijay Birthplace: Shouryapur Other Names: Arishtanemi Lanchan (Symbol): Conch (Shell) Nirvan place: Girnar Cousin: Lord Krishna Story of Nem and Rajul: One day, Lord Neminath was to marry Princess Rajul. On their wedding day, there was a parade through the town. In this parade, Lord Neminath heard the screams of animals. He found out that many animals were going to be sacrificed that day for meals that would be served at his wedding. Neminath decided at that moment that he no longer wanted to get married and demanded that all the animals be set free. He took diksha and so did his bride, princess Rajul.
Class Activity: Watch Neminath Dada Life Story (Part 2): https://youtu.be/BaP4_QYoQTg
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Chapter 19 - Jain Tirths
Tirth Places where 24 Tirthankaras reached Moksha: 1. Girnar – Neminath Bhagwan 2. Sametshikhar – 20 Tirthankaras 3. Ashtapad - Rushabhdev 4. Pavapuri - Mahavir Swami 5. Champapuri – Vasupujya Swami – all 5 of the kalyanaks have happened here for Vasupujya swami
Other Important Tirth places:
• Palitana (Shatrunjay) – Holy place for Jains, mulnayak is Rushabhdev
• Delwada, Mt. Abu – Vastupal/Tejpal built it
• Shankeshewar – mulnayak is Parshvanath
Girnar – Neminath Bhagwan’s Moksha place Sametshikhar – 20 Tirthankaras reached moksha here
Ashtapad – Rushabhdev Bhagwan’s Moksha place Pavapuri - Mahavir Swami Bhagwan’s Moksha place
Champapuri – Vasupujya Swami’s all 5 of the kalyanaks have happened here
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Chapter 20 – Our Spiritual Gurus - Sadhu/Sadhvis
Our spiritual Gurus are different from our regular school teachers in many ways. Some people give up all worldly pleasures and become a Sädhu or Sädhvi because they want to follow a higher spiritual or religious life. This step in their life from a Shravak or Shravika to a Sädhu or Sädhvi is called diksha. This means they have given up wearing fashionable clothes, going to movies, watching TV, sleeping on soft beds, and going out to eat ice cream and pizza. They do not even travel in cars or planes. They walk barefoot everywhere. They do not earn money (alms). They do not have any ties to their family, friends, or money. They go from house to house to collect gochari (alms -food) and accept very simple food from people who happily offer them food. They collect the food in wooden pots called Patra and Chetano. They fast a lot. They travel from town to town and teach us religion. During rainy season they stay in a place called Upäshray. They study religious books most of the day and have devoted their lives to religion. Most monks wear only simple cotton white clothes and have a Muhapatti (white cloth to cover their mouth) in their hands or tied over their mouth. Some monks do not wear any clothes at all. They all live a very simple life. The lady monks are called “Sadhvis” and the male monks are called “Sadhus”. When we see Sadhus or Sadhvis, we should bow our heads down to show our respect and say, “Matthen Vandami,” or “Vandami Namamswami”. (from Jainism I – Basics of Jainisim JES 102)
Patra – wooden
pots used to carry solid food from
gochari
Chetano – wooden pot
used to carry
liquid food
Ogho – used to sweep the
floor before sitting on it and
harming any living beings.
Muhapatti – used to cover the both to
avoid swallowing
any bugs
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Sadhvis taking gochari (alms)
Classroom Activity: Watch this video - Jainism 101: Maharaj Sahebs - https://youtu.be/Iep4fZMyTQk
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Chapter 21 – Samavasaran
When the Tirthankaras get Kevalgyan in the 4th Kalyanak of their life, they sit in a place called Samavasaran. The Samvasaran has three levels, one for the Dev and Devis, one for the humans and one for the animals. The Tirthankara sits under the Ashok tree and teaches about Jainism to everyone. No matter what side of the samvasaran you sit on, all the attendees can see the Tirthankara’s face. He gives his speech in one language, but all the 5 sensed beings can understand what he is saying.
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Chapter 22 - Paryushan & Das Laxana
Paryushan & Das Laxana – This is the most important festival of the year for Jains. During this time we try to purify our soul. Paryushan is 8 days long and is usually in late August and early September. Das Laxana is celebrated by Digambar Jains. It usually starts when Paryushan ends and lasts for 10 days. On the 5th day of Paryushan, we celebrate Mahavir Janma Kalyanak. Below is a list of activities that you should and should not do to help purify your soul by getting rid of karma that we gathered in the past year. We should also try to practice these deeds all through the year and not only during Paryushan or Das Laxana.
Classroom Activity: Watch this YJA video - Jainism 101: Paryushan and Das Lakshan:
https://youtu.be/n6ZFohBo7No
Paryushan/Das Laxana Good Deeds
NAVKARSI
(EAT AFTER SUNRISE)
DON’T EAT VEGETABLES
LISTEN TO JAIN STAVANS DON’T GET ANGRY, let go of ego, deceit and greed
Do EKASNU, BEASNU,
UPVAAS
GO TO DERASAR
DON’T EAT OUT
ATTEND PARNU
DON’T PLAY VIDEO
GAMES
DRINK BOILED WATER
DO PUJA
DON’T WASTE FOOD
READ JAIN BOOKS
DON’T WATCH TV
DONATE MONEY TO
NEEDY
DO NAVKARVALI
CHOVIAR
DON’T EAT AFTER SUNSET
VOLUNTEER & BE
HELPFUL
SAMVATSARI
PRATIKRAMAN
Can you add more to this list?
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Chapter 23 - Other Religions
It is important to understand other religions in the world. All of us will have friends and family members that do not follow Jainism. We should learn to respect other religions even if we have different way of life. There are many similarities in all religions. All religions guide people on a path of being good to others as you would want them to be good to you…also known as the “Golden Rule”.
Name of Religion
What they are called Symbol Who they worship
(God)
Place of Worship
Holy Book
Jainism
Jains
Ahimsa
Tirthankaras (24)
Derasar Aagams/Kalpa
Sutra
Hinduism
Hindus
Om
Ram, Krishna, Shiv and
many more Mandir
Bhagwat Geeta
Christianity
Christians/Catholics
Cross
Jesus Christ Church The Bible
Islam
Muslims
Crescent Moon & Star
Allah Mosque Quran
Judaism
Jewish
Star of David
Moses Synagogue Torah
Buddhism
Buddhists
Wheel
Buddha Monastery Tripitaka
Sikhism
Sikhs
Khanda
Guru Nanak Gurudwara Guru
Granthsaheb
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Classroom Activity:
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Make fall leaves craft.
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Chapter 24 - Ashta Prakäri Pujä (Eight types of Pujä for Tirthankara)
Meaning Of Ashta Prakari Puja : Generally Jains use the following eight items to perform puja of a Tirthankara in the temple. Symbolically each item represents a specific religious virtue, and one should reflect on it while performing puja. To do the puja using the first 3 items, you must wear clean puja clothes since you have to touch the idols of the Tirthankaras. Also, Digambar Jains do not do Chandan or Pushpa puja.
Jal Puja (Water)
Chandan Puja (Sandalwood)
Pushpa Puja (Flowers)
Dhoop Puja (Incense)
Deepak Puja (Diya)
Akshat Puja (Rice)
Nevedh Puja (Sweets)
Phal Puja (Fruits)
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1. Jala Puja: (Water) Water symbolizes the ocean. Every living being continuously travels through life's ocean of birth, death, and misery. This puja reminds us that one should live his life with honesty, truthfulness, love, and compassion towards all living beings. This way one will be able to cross life's ocean and attain liberation (Moksha). This is known as samyak-darshana, samyak-jnana, and samyak-charitrya in the Jain religion. 2. Chandan Puja: (Sandal-wood) Chandan symbolizes knowledge (jnana). By doing this puja, one should thrive for right knowledge. Jainism believes that the path of knowledge is the main path to attain Moksha or liberation. Bhakti or devotion helps in the early stages of one's effort for liberation.
Nav Ang Chandan Puja 9 places
3. Pushpa Puja: (Flower) The flower symbolizes conduct. Our conduct should be like a flower, which provides fragrance and beauty to all living beings without discrimination. We should live our life like flowers full of love and compassion towards all living beings. 4. Dhup Puja: (Incense) Dhup symbolizes monkhood life. While burning itself, incense provides fragrance to others. Similarly, true monks and nuns spend their entire life selflessly for the benefit of all living beings. This puja reminds that one should thrive for an ascetic life. 5. Dipak Puja: (Diya) The flame of dipak represents a pure consciousness, i.e. a soul without any bondage of a karma or a liberated soul. In Jainism, such a soul is called a Siddha or God. The ultimate goal of every living being is to become liberated. By doing this puja one should thrive to follow five great vows; non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possession. Ultimately these vows will lead to liberation.
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6. Akshat Puja: (Rice) Rice is a kind of grain which is not fertile. One cannot grow rice plants by seeding rice. Symbolically, it means that rice is the last birth. By doing this puja one should thrive to put all the efforts in life in such a way that this life becomes one's last life, and after the end of this life one will not be reborn again. 7. Naivedya Puja: (Sweet food) Naivedya symbolizes tasty food. By doing this puja, one should thrive to reduce or eliminate attachment to tasty food. Healthy food is essential for survival; however one should not live for tasty food. Ultimate aim in one's life is to attain a life where no food is essential for survival. That is the life of a liberated soul who lives in Moksha forever in ultimate blissful state. 8. Fal Puja: (Fruit) Fruit is a symbol of Moksha or liberation. If we live our life without any attachment to worldly affairs, continue to perform our duty without any expectation and reward, be a witness to all the incidents that occur surrounding us, truly follow monkhood life, and have a love and compassion to all living beings, we will attain the fruit of liberation. This is the last puja symbolizing the ultimate achievement of our life.
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Chapter 25 - Significance of Diwali for Jains
In the month of October or November a big festival, called Diwali, is celebrated all over India and around the world. The Diwali festival lasts for 5 days. It symbolizes the victory of good over eveil. Diwali is celebrated by most people by cleaning the house, doing rangoli, lighting divas, buying new clothes, making many yummy dishes, but most of all by spending time with family. So, why is the Diwali festival so important? For Hindus, this festival is celebrated because this is the day that Lord Rama returned home from his battle with Ravan. For Jains, this is the day that Lord Mahavir at the age of 72 attained Nirvana in Pavapuri. The day after Diwali is the Indian New Year. On this day, Gautam Swami got Kevalgyan. Gautam Swami was the chief disciple (student) of Mahavir Swami.
The Five Days of Diwali Hindu Traditions Jain Traditions
Day 1: Dhanteras Jains & Hindus perform Dhan Puja or also called Laxmi Puja. Laxmi Devi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Everyone welcomes Laxmi Devi to their home by doing beautiful rangoli at their doorsteps and lighting diyas. . During the puja coins are cleaned with water.
Day 2: Kali Chaudas On this day Hindus pray to Kali Devi to remove evil from their homes.
Jains perform Ghanta Karna Vir pujan. He is the God with the bow & arrow who protects our temple.
Day 3: Diwali
Jains & Hindus do chopda puja. This is mainly for business owners to start new accounts for their business.
Jains celebrate Mahavir Swami’s Nirvana.
Day 4: New Year’ s Day
Jains & Hindus celebrate the Indian New Year by wearing new clothes and asking for blessings for elders and others. We say “Saal Mubarak” or “Nutan Varshabhinandan”. . On this day, Gautam Swami got Kevalgyan. Gautam Swami was the chief disciple (student) of Mahavir Swami.
Day 5: Bhai Beej
Jains & Hindus both celebrate this day with their siblings. Brothers go
to sisters’ home to celebrate and eat together.
Jains believe that the story of Bhai Beej started after Mahavir bhagwan got Nirvana, his brother Nandi was very sad. So his sister, Sudarshana invited him to her house to make him feel better.
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Chapter 26 - Samayik
Samayik is the Jain way of practicing meditation. Samayik can be practiced everyday at home. Normally, Samayik is done for 48 minutes. While doing Samayik you should not listen to music, watch TV, use any electronics or drink or eat anything. You should just try to focus on the prayers and no other thoughts. Why should we practice Samayik or meditation? Let’s compare the practice of meditation to practicing the piano. When we practice the piano, we learn how to control the keys on the piano so they can make beautiful sounds. Otherwise, if we click random keys, we may get nice sounds sometimes, but mostly bad sounds. In the same way, when we practice meditation, we are learning how to control the thoughts in our mind. The more we practice meditation, the less angry or stressed we will be come. Items needed for Samayik:
• Charavalo: A soft broom used to clear the floor of small insects before sitting.
• Katäsanu: A rectangular cloth to sit on.
• Muhapatti: A piece of white cloth used to cover the mouth, preventing our breath from harming any small beings in the air.
• Sthapnacharya: A religious book containing the Navkar Mantra that represents the presence of a spiritual teacher or Guru. This small book is placed on a wooden stand called sapado.
Other items that can be used during meditation:
• Navkarwali
• Other religious books
• Prayer books
• Samayik ghadi – this is a sand timer that lets you know when 48 minutes are done. This is not easy to find so it’s ok if you don’t have it.
