REL 1000 Chapter : Ch 5
Document Summary
Jainism: a study in asceticism: jainism springs/develops out of hinduism, asceticism = world denial. Sallakhana = self starvation [how to reject sensory pleasures: upon joining the monks, mahavira: Removed his ornaments and finery, retained just one robe. Plucked his hair out in five handfuls [probably didn"t happen] Wandered about alone going completely naked [demonstrating his rejections of this world in a very obviously way: mahavira had 2 convictions. Saving one"s should from evil is impossible without practicing the severest asceticism. Maintaining the purity and integrity on one"s own soul involves practicing ahimsa: mahavira traveled with goshala [another wandering ascetic] who believed all living beings were fated to enduring cycles of rebirth through 8,400,000 kalpas, meticulous practice of ahisma. Walked so as not to step on any living thing. Swept the path with a soft broom to clear his path. Ate no raw food and accepted only leftover food: mahavira.
