Questions of the Day: 8-9

8) What is the difference between Samayik & Pratikraman?

Ans:
Samayik:

 In Samayik we stay in equanimity for 48 mins.We stay away from attachment & aversion.This activity helps us to purify our passions & desires.Samayik gives us a  glimps of Sadhu who lives all his life in samayik.

Pratikrama  

As a Jain householders, we are supposed to observe 12 minor vows.  During  Pratikraman we review our activities for any violations that may have occurred among these vows.  In this way, we ask for forgiveness   for our actions, purify our souls, and improve our future activities. By repenting during the pratikraman,we lessen the bondage of karma of our soul and avoid committing the same sins in the future.In all truth, one should perform pratikraman as soon as one realizeshe or shehas committed a sin.





9)When did Deep & Dhup pooja started in Jainism? 


Ans

As per Historical evidences: Deep & Dhup pooja in jainism started somewhere in 8th century AD, primarily influenced by Hindu culture.

As per Jain Mythology:Deep & Dhup pooja are practised since eternal.

Questions of the Day: 6-7

6) In which book is Jain philosophy is described?

Ans: There are 45 Agams as per Swetanbar Murtipujak traditions whcih explains Jain philosophy & theory.

In addition there are many books that provide deatils of Jain philosophy, but " The Tattvartha Sutra" by Umaswami is said to be the most sacred book.As a minimum every jain should have this book in their home & must read & understand it..

7) When & how did the division of Swetambar & digambar sects happened?

Ans: In 367 BCE, about 160 yrs after the Nirvana of Bhagwan Mahaveer, Acharya Bhadrabahu was the head of the Jain order.

That time a famine occured for 12 yrs ( This is a historical fact confirmed by many historian).., Acharya Bhadrabahu had predicted this long time back & realised that it will be very difficult for the monks to strictly follow the "Five Mahavrats" .Therefore he, along with his 12000 disciples migrated to South India & settle there to strictly follow the five mahavrats..

In the meanwhile, the remaining monks were led by Acharya Stulibhadra & he relaxed some of the rules for the monks for their survival during this famine.

This incident was the primary reason for the separation of Digambars & Swetambars sects.

However the real separation seems to have occured during the time of Acharya Vajrasen in about 160 AD..

Futher both the sects Digambars & Swetambars were divided into 3 sub sects each..

But the best part inspite of these splits is that : All the sects have remarkable similarity in their philosophy..its just a few minor areas of disagreements , the split exist.."

Questions of the Day: 3-5

3) Why are all  Tirthakars of Bharath Kshetra born in India?

Ans: As green grass grows on fertile soil & not on unfertile soil, similarly as per Jain mythology,  in Bharath Kshetra, India is considered as Arya Bhoomi ( auspious land) . Rest of the world is unarya bhoomi.
Therefore all the Tirthankars are born only in region India..

4) Did Bhagwan Mahaveer visited Temples?

Ans:

•  As per Jain mythology & even as per historical evidences there is no study related to Bhagwan Mahaveer going to any temple..
• But as per kalpasutra, Bhagwan Mahaveer's parent were followers of Bhagwan Parsvanath..

Our conclusion , Its still not clear weather Bhagwan Mahaveer went to Jain temples or not.

5) Which is the oldest Jain Idol as per Jain Mythology & as per Historical evidences?

Ans :

1. As Per Jain Mythology:

• The idol of Lord Neminath at Girnar ji is the oldest. It was made by celestial being Sri Brahmadev of 5 th Devlok inspired by 3th Tirthankar Lord SagarSwami ji of previous chovisi.
• The second oldest idol is the Idol of Shankeshwar Parsvanath at Shankeshwarji.It was made by Ashadhi Shrawak under the influence of 9th Tirthankar Srfi Damodarswami ji of previous Chovisi.

    2.  As Per Historical Evidences:

• Various Jain Idols of about 2 century AD are said to be the oldest *

Questions of the Day: 1-2

1)What should be the ultimate Goal as per Jainism?]

Ans: " The Purification of Soul & Free Ourself from the cycle of reincarnation".

2)Was Bhagwan Mahaveer the founder of Jainism?

Ans:

• The origins of Jainism are obscure.
• Many people often confuse with Bhagwan Mahaveer as the founder of Jainism.The reason behind this is the word Jainism was first used to represent the fraction of people who followed the teachings of Bhagwan Mahaveer . Hence many people still call Bhagwan Mahaveer as the founder of Jainism.
• Earlier before Bhagwan Mahaveer , our religion was known as : Chaturyama Dharma"..
• So we can conclude that Jainism was known by different names during the times of different Tirthankaras..

About the Blog: Jainism Simplified

Jainism Simplified in a one stop blog for all your spiritual & general content source on Jainism..

This blog will provide information about Jain History/Principles/Inspirational stories/Jain Recipe/Festivals ..

The core philosophy & history of Jainism is being discussed in simplified Question & Answers module.

Kindly share your knowledge or comment & correct me every time you feel my understanding of "the Question of the Day is incorrect"