REL 2300 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Tirthankara, Hagiography, Higher Consciousness
Document Summary
However, hindu and buddhist scriptures refer to jaunism existing long before; so rooted in non-vedic, indigenous indian religion. Evidence of its existence also found in the yogic seals and statues from the indus valley. Consists of means of eliminating negative karma, observing, purifying disciplining mind and body, and living by strict ethical principles. Mahavir, the great hero, the last of 24 tirthankaras. It passes through continuous cycles of progress and decline. Tirthankaras appear on the decline to create religion, offer ethical- spiritual instruction, and steer people away from evil. Interestingly, the hagiographies of the twenty-third tirthankara of the last cycle bear remarkable resemblance to those of the buddha. Hagiography- idealized biography of the life of a saint or teacher or holy person. Digambaras: sky-clad left to avoid famine, only two possessions, fan + gourd, women cannot be nude, women cannot achieve perfection. Svetambaras: white-clad, stayed, gender equality in theory.
