Context:
Jainism Played Invaluable Role in Shaping India’s Identity: Prime Minister on Navkar Mahamantra Divas
Navkar Mahamantra:
- Most revered and universal chant in Jainism, emphasizing spiritual harmony and ethical consciousness.
- Components – It pays respects to –
- Arihant: Those who attained Keval Gyan (perfect knowledge).
- Siddhas: Liberated souls who eradicated eight karmas and attained Moksha.
- Acharyas: Spiritual leaders who follow Mahavrat.
- Upadhyayas: Teachers imparting knowledge of Moksha.
- Sadhus: Monks refining themselves through penance and progressing toward Moksha
Other important principles in Jainism:
- Parasparopagraho Jivanam (Interdependence of Life) – Highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings.
- Ahimsa (Nonviolence) – Advocates for peace by rejecting violence, hate, and conflict.
- Inspired figures like Mahatma Gandhi, whose practices of nonviolence influenced global leaders to prioritize diplomacy over aggression.
- Anekantavada (Doctrine of Multiple Viewpoints) – Encourages tolerance, empathy, and the acceptance of diverse perspectives.
- Aparigraha (Non-Possession) – Counters consumerism and excessive materialism, promoting simplicity and self-restraint.
- Satya (Truthfulness) and Asteya (Non-Stealing) – Stresses honesty, integrity, and fairness in personal and professional settings.
Source: TOI
Previous Year Question
With reference to the religious practices in India, the “Sthanakvasi” sect belongs to
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism
Answer: (b)