Articles on Jain Dharma Practices
Emperor Vikramaditya and Jainism
By Dileep Dhing · Jain Avenue, 2023
Emperor Vikramaditya’s era, known as Vikram Samvat, gained widespread acceptance in India due to his fair rule, generosity, and charitable work. Historians and scholars identify him as a Jain follower, influenced by Jain principles such as tolerance and…
Yoga in Jainism and Patanjali System: A Comparative Study
By Kamal Kumar Jain · Jain Avenue, 2023
The article explores parallels between Patanjali's yoga system and Jainism, particularly regarding ethical and disciplinary practices. Patanjali's eightfold yoga includes yamas (non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possessiveness), niyamas…
My Varsitap Experience
By Roshani Jhaveri · Jain Avenue, 2023
The article details Roshani Jhaveri's experience with Varsitap, a modified 13-month fasting practice in Jainism modeled after the first Jina, Rishabhanatha. Unlike traditional Upvas, which involves complete fasting, Varsitap alternates total fasting with…
Which 15 the Real Birthplace of Lord Mahavir ? (Part — III)
By Arpit Shah · Jain Avenue, 2023
The article explores the historical and scriptural evidence supporting Kundghat in the Jamui Hill Range near Lachhuar as the real birthplace of Lord Mahavir, continuing a multi-part discussion. It references ancient Shwetambar practices, including the worship…
Sallekhana: The Art of Dying in Jainism
By Shuddhatam Prakash Jain · Jain Avenue, 2022
The article discusses the concept of Sallekhana in Jain philosophy, emphasizing its role in preparing for a successful and peaceful death. Dr. Shuddhatam Prakash Jain, Associate Professor and Head of the Centre for Studies in Jainism, explains that while most…
Promoting Non-Violence Through Technology and Digitization
By Sangeetha Chhajed, Nikhil B Shah · Jain Avenue, 2022
The November 2022 issue of *Voice of the Practitioners of Jain Dharma* focuses on leveraging technology and digitization to promote non-violence, addressing the increasing global violence and its consequences, such as pollution-related diseases, natural…
My Thanksgiving Break: The Jain Way
By Siddharth Kurwa · Jain Avenue, 2022
The article describes a personal experience of a Jain student during a Thanksgiving break organized by the Jain Fellowship of Houston (JFH) youth group. The author, Siddharth Kurwa, a Senior Manufacturing Engineer at Tesla, reflects on the transition from the…
Understanding 'Michchhami Dukkadam': Forgiveness in Jain Dharma
By P. Gada · Jain Avenue, 2022
The article explains the significance of the Jain phrase "Michchhami Dukkadam," breaking down its meaning and spiritual importance. "Michchhami" translates to "be fruitless," referring to forgiveness, while "Dukkadam" means "bad deeds." Together, the phrase…
Jain Monks' Safety: A Pressing Concern for the Sangh
By Sejal Shah (Ph.D.) · Jain Avenue, 2022
The July 2022 issue of *Jain Avenue* highlights various aspects of Jainism, including the role of monks, ecological perspectives, and contemporary challenges. Jain monks, referred to as Munis, lead a life of constant movement, preaching Jain principles while…
The Path of Arhat: Dhyana (Meditation) in Jain Philosophy
By T. U. Mehta · Jain Avenue, 2022
The article discusses the Jaina concept of Dhyana (meditation) and its classification into four types: Artta, Raudra, Dharma, and Sukla. Artta and Raudra Dhyana are described as inauspicious, leading to worldly transmigration, while Dharma and Sukla Dhyana…
Badridas Jain Temple: Kolkata's Shitalnath Bhagwan Sanctuary
By Arpit Shah · Jain Avenue, 2022
The Badridas Jain Temple, located in the Maniktalla locality of Kolkata, is the most prominent among a cluster of four Jain temples known as the Parasnath Temple. Built in 1867 by Rai Bahadoor Badridas Mookim, it is dedicated to Shri Shitalnath Bhagwan and is…
Ranakpur Jain Temple: A Maru-Gurjara Architectural Marvel
By Arpit Shah · Jain Avenue, 2022
The Ranakpur Jain Temple, located in the Aravalli range near the Maghai river, is a three-storeyed marble structure dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first tirthankar of Jainism. Built on 1,444 intricately carved pillars and standing on a lofty plinth, it…
Jainism's Comprehensive Ahimsa: Environmental Protection Through Non-Violence
By Jeoraj Jain · Jain Avenue, 2022
The article discusses the Jain principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) as a comprehensive approach to environmental protection, emphasizing its relevance to addressing global ecological challenges. It clarifies that Ahimsa in Jainism extends beyond merely avoiding…
Six Spiritual Truths of the Soul: Atmasiddhi Shastra Review
By Dilip Shah · Jain Avenue, 2021
The Atmasiddhi Shastra, a seminal work by Shrimadji, was originally written as a letter to Lalluji Muni, a follower struggling with illness and seeking spiritual clarity. Shrimadji outlined six key characteristics of the soul, essential for salvation,…
Immunity Through Spirituality: Bridging Ancient Practices with Modern Science
By Bipin Doshi, Vishal Mehta · Jain Avenue, 2021
The article "Immunity from Spirituality" by Dr. Bipin Doshi and Vishal Mehta explores the connection between traditional spiritual practices and immunity, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors highlight the growing recognition of…
Jain Dharma's Santhara Practice: Legal and Ethical Contestation
By Mikaela Chase · Jain Avenue, 2021
The practice of santhara, a Jain ritual of voluntary fasting unto death, has roots dating back to at least the 1st century BCE, with scholarly research documenting its historical and ethical dimensions. By the 1960s, discussions began to anticipate its entry…