The Religions Book

68

THE FIVE

GREAT VOWS

SELF-DENIAL LEADS TO

SPIRITUAL LIBERATION

J

ainism is the most ascetic

of all Indian religions. Its

followers practice self-denial

in order to progress toward moksha,

release from constant rebirth into

this world of suffering. Jainism

as we know it was founded by

Mahavira, a contemporary of

Buddha, in the 6th century BCE.

However, Jainism takes a long view

of its own historical development:

it is said that it has always existed

and always will exist. Within the

faith, Mahavira is simply regarded

as the most recent of 24 enlightened

teachers in the current era. Jains

believe each era lasts for millions of

years and recurs in an infinite cycle

of ages. These teachers are called

IN CONTEXT

KEY FIGURE

Mahavira

WHEN AND WHERE

From 6th century BCE, India

BEFORE

From 1000 BCE The concept

of samsara, the cycle of death

and rebirth, is developed by

wandering ascetics of the

shramana tradition in India.

AFTER

6th century BCE Buddha’s

enlightenment shows him

the way to escape samsara.

From 2nd century BCE

In Mahayana Buddhism,

bodhisattvas—enlightened

humans that remain on earth

to help others—are revered.

20th century Jainism is

recognized as a legally

distinct religion in India,

separate from Hinduism.