Questions & explanations
1. What are the main scriptures of the Digambara tradition?
The main scriptures of the Digambara tradition are the Shatkhandagama and the Kasayapahuda. The Shatkhandagama has six parts (khandas) and talks about karma, the soul, and liberation. The Kasayapahuda focuses on the passions (kashaya) that bind the soul, like anger and greed. These texts were written by great teachers named Pushpadanta and Bhutabali for the Shatkhandagama, and Gunadhara for the Kasayapahuda. They are written in Prakrit language and are very old. Digambaras believe that these texts preserve the original teachings of Mahavira because they were passed down through a line of teachers. They are studied carefully by monks and scholars.
2. Compare the Gommatasara to the Shvetambara texts on karma.
Both the Gommatasara and Shvetambara texts like the Karma Granthas explain karma. However, the Gommatasara is from a Digambara perspective, with slight differences in classification. For example, Digambaras believe women cannot achieve liberation in the same birth, while Shvetambaras disagree. The Gommatasara includes verses and commentary, while Shvetambara works may be in different languages. Both aim to teach karma but reflect their respective traditions. The Gommatasara is more of a summary, while Shvetambara texts are more detailed manuals. So they serve the same purpose but with sectarian variations.
3. How do Digambara scriptures differ from Shvetambara scriptures?
Digambara and Shvetambara traditions have different sets of scriptures. Digambaras accept the Shatkhandagama and Kasayapahuda as their main texts, while Shvetambaras have the Agamas. Digambaras believe that the original teachings were lost and that these later texts are authentic. They also say that Mahavira never wore clothes (a key Digambara belief). The languages and styles are different: Digambara texts are in Prakrit but with some variations. Both traditions agree on basic Jain concepts like karma and non-violence. Understanding these differences helps explain the diversity within Jainism.
4. How does the Jain calendar determine festival dates?
The Jain calendar sets festival dates based on the lunar phase and the nakshatra (star constellation). For example, Paryushana, the main fasting festival, starts on the 12th day of the bright half of Bhadrapada month. Mahavir Jayanti, the birth of Lord Mahavira, is on the 13th day of the bright half of Chaitra. The day of the week also matters for some rituals. The calendar is printed each year by Jain organisations with all the dates. Fasting days (like Ayambil Oli) follow specific lunar days. The priests or monks announce the exact dates based on the traditional almanac (panchanga).
5. Give an example from Jain history where a monk resolved a violent conflict without any force.
One famous example is Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, who once calmed a fierce debate between two kings. The kings were about to fight over land. Mahavira spoke to them separately and explained that war causes suffering to many innocent people, including animals and plants. He asked them to share the land and use it for good purposes, like building schools. Both kings agreed and became friends. Mahavira did not use threats or punishments. He simply showed them the harm they would cause and the peace they could gain. This story teaches that gentle words can stop violence.
6. How does the concept of 'Akshaya' (eternal) apply to the rituals performed on this day?
The idea of 'Akshaya' meaning 'never diminishing' applies directly to the rituals. Jains believe that any spiritual act done on Akshaya Tritiya yields infinite good karma that never fades away. For example, even a small donation or a short prayer is thought to have eternal positive effects. This motivates people to do extra charity, fasting, or meditation on this day. The concept encourages lay Jains to support ascetics by offering food and gifts, believing the merit is everlasting. Thus, the rituals are infused with the intention of creating permanent spiritual benefit.
7. What is Pratikramana in Jainism?
Pratikramana is a daily or periodic ritual where Jains repent for any harm they may have caused, knowingly or unknowingly. During this ritual, they recite verses asking for forgiveness from all living beings. It is a way to clean the soul from bad actions and renew their commitment to non-violence. The ritual includes bowing to monks, nuns, and guiding figures. It helps Jains stay mindful of their vows and correct mistakes. Pratikramana is often done at the end of the day or during special holy periods. It reminds followers that even small harms need to be acknowledged.
8. Compare the sin of attachment to the other four sins. Why is it considered the root?
Attachment (parigraha) is the craving for possessions, people, or status. While injury, falsehood, stealing, and unchastity are actions, attachment is the inner desire that leads to those actions. For example, if you are attached to your phone, you might steal one if yours breaks. If you are attached to praise, you might lie to get it. So attachment is the root cause of all other sins. A Jain tries to limit possessions and practice detachment. Even emotional attachments to family, if too strong, can cause harm. So controlling attachment is the key to avoiding all sins.
9. Compare how a Jain would handle a conflict versus someone who follows a different religion. What is unique?
Many religions teach forgiveness, but Jainism is unique because it insists on not causing any harm at all, even in self-defense. A person from another faith might defend themselves physically or use strong words. A Jain, however, will not hit back or shout, even if attacked. They also avoid blaming the other person and focus on their own actions. For example, if someone steals, a Jain might report it politely but not feel anger. The Jain way is to practice 'kshama' (forgiveness) completely and see every being as equal. This makes their conflict resolution very gentle.
10. How does the Shatkhandagama describe karma?
The Shatkhandagama says karma is a kind of matter that sticks to the soul. It explains that our actions, thoughts, and words create karmic particles that attach to the soul. These particles cause us to experience pleasure and pain. The text describes eight main types of karma, like knowledge-obscuring karma and feeling-producing karma. It also explains how to destroy karma through right conduct and meditation. By understanding this, a person can work to remove karma and achieve liberation (moksha). The Shatkhandagama gives very detailed information on how karma works.
11. What is the vow of Atithi Samvibhaga?
Atithi Samvibhaga is a Jain vow to share food and other necessities with monks and nuns who come as guests. The word 'atithi' means an uninvited guest, and 'samvibhaga' means sharing. Householders promise to offer pure, vegetarian food to wandering ascetics who beg for their meal. This vow shows generosity and support for those who have given up worldly life. It is one of the twelve vows for lay Jains. By feeding monks, the householder gains good karma and helps preserve the Jain community. It reminds Jains that their wealth should be used for spiritual purposes.
12. What are Cheda Sutras in Jainism?
Cheda Sutras are Jain texts that deal with rules for monks and nuns. The word 'cheda' means 'cutting' because they describe cutting off (penances) for breaking rules. They list different mistakes and the punishments or expiations (prayashchitta) to cleanse them. For example, if a monk accidentally hurts a small creature, he must confess and do a fast. These texts also explain how to perform repentance and for how long. They help maintain discipline in the monastic community. Cheda Sutras are part of the Shvetambara canon and are very detailed about monastic life.