Jainism as a Way of Life
In the opening section of this chapter, we glimpsed a moment in the religious life of Jainism, the ritual of giving known as dana. While this ritual illustrates concern for the central Jain principles of ahimsa and the ascetic path, it also indicates some of the diversity of the religion.
For example, we noted features of the Digambara version of dana that are not found among Shvetambaras, and the basic distinction between the ascetics and the Jain laity was evident. In this section, we examine in greater detail these varieties of Jainism and consider other significant practices and characteristics of the Jain religious life.
Jain ascetics and impressive religious monuments, such as this nun on pilgrimage at Shravanabelagola, are common sights in India. Through its diaspora population of some 275,000 people, Jainism also has a significant presence outside of India.
More on the topic Jainism as a Way of Life:
- Ahimsa and Asceticism: Jainism’s Ideals
- The Religious Life of the Jain Laity
- The Ascetic Life
- 6 Jainism
- Jainism and Hinduism
- Way of Life
- Digambaras and Shvetambaras
- The Legacy of the Tirthankaras: Jainism Through the Centuries
- Gender Roles in Jainism
- Jainism and the Natural World
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