Symbols

The symbol above represents the suffering that the three worlds (Earth, Heaven, and Hell) must endure.

The open palm is a symbol of reassurance, and the raised hand is a symbol of protection and blessing.

The circle in the centre of the hand is the Wheel of Dharma; it represents the teachings of the 24 tirthankaras, consisting of non-violence and other virtues.

The swastika (or fylfot) shows the cycle of birth and death and the four destinies of the Worldly Soul; these are heaven, human, hell, and animal.

The three dots near the top represent Right Faith, Right Conduct, and Right Knowledge.

The uppermost dot is the Abode of Liberated Souls.

There are two main sects within Jainism, Svetambara and Digambara. Both sects have a set of eight auspicious symbols known as the Ashtamangalas. All of these symbols have been depicted in decorative motifs and cultural artifacts.

Ashtamangalas in Svetambara Jainism

1. Swastika
2. Sri Vatsa
3. Nandavarta
4. Vardhmanaka (food vessel/shallow earthen dish used for lamps)
5. Bhadrasana (seat/throne)
6. Kalasha (pot filled with pure water)
7. Darpana (mirror)
8. Meen Yugala (pair of fish/fish couple)

Ashtamangalas in Digambara Jainism

1. Chhatra (parasol)
2. Dhwaja (banner)
3. Kalasha (pot)
4. Chauri (wisk)
5. Darpana (mirror)
6. Bhadrasana (seat/throne)
7. fan
8. vessel

Architecture

Palitana Tirtha

Jain temples are carved out of the rock faces of mountains and hills. Since Jain temples are some of the wealthiest temples in the world, they are designed in such a way that they are very difficult to plunder. Mazes of columns, temples within temples, and other complex architectural measures are used as defense against thieves.

Jains also built extensive hill-top cities of temples. These cities also included large battlements and strong walls, much like fortified cities, to guard their extensive riches from plunderers. As the cities were built on hills, they followed the natural incline of said hill and were designed in such a way that the architecture grew more elaborate and ornate the further up the hill one went.

Literature

Jains hold education and knowledge in very high regard; some of India's oldest manuscripts have been preserved in Jain libraries by Jain scholars. In a 2001 census, it was reported that Jains are India's most literate community. There have also been a number of prolific writers in the Jain community. They have written about religion as well as topics such as science, mathematics, grammar, and history.

Over the centuries, Jains have used a number of different languages in their writings. These include Apadhramsha, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Pakrit, Sanskrit, and Tamil.

Some of the oldest known Hindi and Gujarati books, all early Tamil and Kannada books, and pratically all known Apadhramsha texts were written by Jain authors.

Cuisine

Jains follow a very strict code of non-violence, because it is believed that all actions that cause harm, whether unintentional or deliberate, contribute to ones negative karma. Jains do not eat meat or fish, or any foods which may contain tiny particles of dead animals, bugs or eggs. Veganism is also advocated by some Jain scholars and activists.

They also make an effort not to injure plants, and only accept injuring and destroying plants on the basis of human survival. Some Jains refuse to eat plants which grow underground, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, because small insects and animals are harmed when these plants are removed from the ground.

Honey and food that has started to decay are also strictly prohibited. In the past, cooking at night was discouraged because bugs would be attracted to the lamps or fire and be killed. Strict Jains take a vow not to eat after sunset.

Jain vegetarianism has influenced other vegetarian cuisines in India and many of the vegetarian restaurants operating in India are run by Jains.

Dress

Svetambara means "white-clad" in Sanskrit and refers to the white robes that priests of Svetambara Jainism wear. Digambara means "sky/space-clad" and refers to the nudity advocated by Digambara Jainism whenever possible.

Most Jains wear simple white garments, and often cover their faces to prevent accidental inhalation and killing of tiny insects. Some Jains in the Digambara sect go without clothing whenever it is possible to do so.

Works Cited

About.com. Jainism. 2008. 7 Nov. 2008 http://altreligion.about.com/library/faqs/bl_jainism.htm.

Culturopedia. Jain Architecture. 7 Nov. 2008 http://www.culturopedia.com/Architecture/jainarchitecture.html.

India Site. Jain Architecture. 7 Nov. 2008 http://www.indiasite.com/architecture/jain.html.

Indian Foods Co. Jain Cuisine - the Influence of Jain Cuisine in India. 2008. 7 Nov. 2008 http://www.indianfoodsco.com/Classes/JainInfluence.htm.

Jain World. Jain Food Habits. 7 Nov. 2008 http://www.jainworld.com/education/level1/lesson07.htm.

Jain World. Jain Symbol. 20 Sep. 2008 http://www.jainworld.com/education/jainsymbol.htm.

Palmer, Martin. World Religions. London: Times Books, 2004.

Wikipedia. Ashtamangala. 7 Nov. 2008. 7 Nov. 2008 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtamangala.

Wikipedia. Jain Agamas. 22 Sep. 2008. 7 Nov. 2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_literature>.

Wikipedia. Jainism. 5 Nov. 2008. 7 Nov. 2008 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism.

Wikipedia. Jain Vegetarianism. 3 Nov. 2008. 7 Nov. 2008 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_vegetarianism.