Authority
1. What is the source & evidence for religious truth claims within the religion?
2. From where does the authority for leadership arise? ScriptureWord used to decribe sacred texts? Historical figure? Human figure? Tradition? SpiritualA word with many religious connotations, often used to describe a multiplicity of phenomena that would include inner, reflective or emotional experiences, and those aspects of life that give it meaning and depth or which are profoundly moving or aesthetic. ?
3. Means by which authority is expressed in practice? Position of scripture? Place of worshipThe offering of praise and reverence to God via a religious service ? Clothing? Attitudes in prayer etc?
4. Means by which authority relates to individuals, communities and the world.
5. How is the authority evaluated?
The primary sources of authority are the agamas or scriptures. There is no one bible or main scripture but a whole series of scriptures numbering at least forty -five and some have been lost over the years. Subjects covered range from philosophy, values, health, cosmology, history and heritage to rituals, stories and life and code of monks and nuns. The role of scriptures is important and they have evolved over the years - however the scriptures are not absolute nor are they treated as the last word. They are open to analysis and interpretation.
The agamas were passed on orally for many centuries and probably fixed about the 5th century CE. Within the sacred works, the central doctrines are contained. Basically, the universe is peopled by countless souls which are imprisoned by material actions. Only trough the freeing of the soul from matter can salvation be achieved. After many rebirths the soul many be liberated. A distinctive belief of Jainism is that the whole of nature is included in this cycle of liberation - men, gods, animals, insects, plants and all living beings. Consequently, life and its direction is ruled by karmaThe concept of cause and effect in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist faith traditions. In Buddhism the word comprises both 'volitional activities' and 'action', with motivation / intention making the difference between 'good' and 'bad' karma. - deeds, and these decide the condition of the next life. Liberation arises when all karmas are destroyed and the soul becomes pure and free.
The 'TirthankarasIn Jainism, literally ‘ford-makers’ or those who have achieved wisdom, a prophet' or ford-makers are the primary source of authority for the wisdom of the tradition. The latest Tirthankara, MahaviraThe founder of Jainism was born in 599 BC. The scriptures are partly based on what he said whilst he was alive, and have partly evolved over later centuries and written by scholar monks and agreed upon by monk congregations.
In practice, spiritual leadership in the community is provided by monks and nuns living in India. Lay people listen to their sermons and consult them on difficult concepts and for spiritual guidance. Some lay people even adopt certain monks or nuns as their 'gurus' or primary mentors.
The Acharya is the highest rank among monks and nuns, and is appointed by the peer group of existing Acharyas. He would be the leader of a group of monks and nuns.
Websites
http://faithandthearts.com/?s=Jain
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/ - BBC Religions Site and links to broadcasts about Jainism
http://www.bl.uk - British Library website. Library has a good collection of Jain Manuscripts.
http://www.faithandthearts.com - Essay on Jain Art
http://www.jainheritagecentres.com
http://www.jainworld.com www.jainsamaj.org
http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/asia/asia_features/jainism/index.html - Victoria & Albert Museum Site which has good collection of Jain Art
http://www.youngjains.org.uk - Young Jains' website
Bibliography
Banks, M., 1992. Organising Jainism in India and England. Oxford, OUP.
Cort, J.E., 2001. Jains in the World - Ideology and Religious Values in India. n.l.: n.s.
Dundas, P., 2002. The Jains. London: Routledge.
Granoff, P., 1998. The Forest of Thieves - An anthology of medieval Jain stories. n.l.: n.s.
Jain, M., 2005. Jain Food - Compassionate and Healthy Eating. USA: n.s.
Jaini, P., 1998. The Jaina Path of Purification. New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
Pal, P., 1994. Peaceful Liberators - Jain Art from India. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Rankin, A., 2006. The Jain Path - Ancient Wisdom for the West. n.l.: O Books.
Sangave, V., 1980. Jaina Community. Bombay: n.s.
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