When did Jainism divide into two Sampradaya?
Jain Conference, the motivating force behind the move- ment toward unity, was founded in 1906 in Morvi in Gu- jarat, but it split in 1984 into two independent organiza- tions because of the irreconcilable differences in ritual, culture, and language befiveen Gujarati- and Hindi-speaking Sthanakavasi traditions.
How many Jain sects are there?
two
Jains are divided into two major sects; the Digambara (meaning sky clad) sect and the Svetambara (meaning white clad) sect. Each of these sects is also divided into subgroups.
What religion do Jains belong to?
Most Jains live in India, and according to the 2001 Census of India there are around 4.2 million living there. However, the Oxford Handbook of Global Religions, published in 2006, suggests that census figures may provide lower than the true number of followers as many Jains identify themselves as Hindu.
Do Jains worship images?
Jain temples contain images of tirthankaras; either in seated meditation, or standing. A seated image or images is usually the focus of a temple interior. Jains make offerings to the images as part of their worship. Digambara Jain temples have tirthankara statues that are undecorated and unpainted.
Does Jain believe in God?
Jains do not believe in a God or gods in the way that many other religions do, but they do believe in divine (or at least perfect) beings who are worthy of devotion.
Is Jain are Hindu?
Jainism is considered to be a legally distinct religion in India. A section of scholars earlier considered it as a Hindu sect or a Buddhist heresy, but it is one of the three ancient Indian religions.
Are Jains good?
Jainism has long been respected as the world’s most peace-loving religion because of its strict doctrine of non-violence (ahimsa). Mahatma Gandhi, born a Hindu, was an admirer of Jainism’s teachings and adopted the doctrine of non-violence in his movement for Indian independence.
Who do Jains pray to?
Jains ritually worship numerous deities, especially the Jinas. In Jainism a Jina as deva is not an avatar (incarnation), but the highest state of omniscience that an ascetic tirthankara achieved. Out of the 24 Tirthankaras, Jains predominantly worship four: Mahāvīra, Parshvanatha, Neminatha and Rishabhanatha.
Who is the founder of Sthanakavasi Jainism?
Sthānakavāsī is a sect of Śvētāmbara Jainism founded by a merchant named Lavaji in 1653 AD. It believes that idol worship is not essential in the path of soul purification and attainment of Nirvana / Moksha.
When did Shree Sthanakvasi Jain Sangh start?
Shree Sthanakvasi Jain Sangh (SSJS) started in Kenya in 1927. The main objective of our Sangh is to enable Sthanakvasis promote and practice our religious activities and also create a social forum for our members. Besides the above activities, the Sangh is also active in philanthropic activities, to help fellow Kenyans.
Is the Jain religion a minority in India?
Jainism is a minority religion in India. It is estimated that less than 1% of the Indian population are Jains. Across the globe, a minuscule number of people identify themselves as followers of the Jain religion.
Who are the white robed monks in Jainism?
Shvetambara, (Sanskrit: “White-robed,” or “White-clad”) one of the two principal sects of Jainism, a religion of India. The monks and nuns of the Shvetambara sect wear simple white garments.