18 Sources of Sin : Jainism

We are always busy doing something good that may be helping others or being bad and causing trouble to others. When we help someone, not only does it bring comfort to that someone, but it also brings us comfort by punya. But when we cause trouble for others, it causes us to suffer too due to pap (sins). The kinds of activities that cause others to suffer are called sinful activities and they can range in various levels from a simple tale-telling to the killing. In Jainism such activities are divided into 18 categories and they are considered the sources of the sins that lead to bad karmas or pap. These pap cause trouble in our current lives as well as future lives, too. Therefore, we should be careful not to carry out any of thefollowing 18 sinful activities, which are interconnected with one another.

1. Pranatipata (Violence)
2. Mrushavada (Untruth)
3. Adattadan (Theft)
4. Maithun (Unchaste)
5. Parigraha (Possessiveness)
6. Krodh (Anger)
7. Mana (Arrogance)
8. Maya (Deceit)
9. Lobh (Greed)
10. Rag (Attachment)
11. Dwesh (Hatred)
12. Kalah (Quarreling)
13. Abhyakhyan (Accusation)
14. Paishunya (Gossip)
15. Parparivada (Criticism)
16. Rati-Arati (Liking and Disliking)
17. Maya-mrushavada (Malice)
18. Mithya-darshan-shalya (Wrong beliefs)

The 12 Chakravartis

Who are Chakravartis ?

Chakravartis are emperors who rule over a part of the world (Bharata- and having six parts). Their life is embellished with similar features like those of the Tirthankaras. Every ChakarvartI obtains his high rank on account of good actions done in earlier existences and on account of a Nidana, i.e. a wish which is passionately cherished in an earlier life. He is born in the royal family of Iksvaku, grows in pomp and glory and is ex­perienced in all arts and sciences. Having beauty and power, being brave and clever, he is embellished with 36 insignias of mind and body. After vanquishing all the opponents in battle, he conquers the world; served and praised by gods and genii, he is anointed emperor.

He rules for a long period and powerfully, enjoying all the pleasures with his many wives and treasures which the earth can offer. The end of the life of Chakravartls is very different. Whereas some renounce the world or even become Tirthankaras (like the 16th, 17th and 18th Chakravartis of this world-period) and get redemption, others come to the heaven of gods after their death, and some others fall into hell on account of their bad actions.

Chakravartis owe their success not only to their capa­bility and power and the support they get from their supermundane beings, but also, above all, to the won­derful “gems” (Ratnas) and precious “treasures” (Nidhi) which are in their possession. 

The 12 Chakravartis

Chakravartis are emperors who rule over a part of the world (Bharata- and having six parts). Their life is embellished with similar features like those of the Tirthankaras.

According to Jain mythology, there were 12 Chakravartis, as following:

1. Bharat
2. Sagar

3. Maghava

4. Sanatkumar

5. Shanti

6. Kunthu

7. Arah

8. Subhoum

9. Padm

10. Harishen

11. Jaysen

12. Bramhdatt

The nine “treasures” with which a Chakravarti is blessed

Chakravartis are emperors who rule over a part of the world (Bharata- and having six parts). Their life is embellished with similar features like those of the Tirthankaras.

The nine “treasures” (Nidhis) with which a Chakravarti is blessed, are, according to one view, collection of books in which there is literature on 9 different branches of science, according to another, contair!ers or treasure-houses in which there are things whose appli­cation is taught in those books. Names and contents of the 9 Nidhis are:

1. Naisarpa: houses,

2. Panduka: ricc and corns,

3. Pingalaka: ornament,

4. Sarvaratna.ka; 14 gems,

5. Mahapadma: clothing,

6. Kala: determinatjon of time for astrological predictions,

7. Mahakala: mines of metals and precious stones,

8. Manavaka: weapons warcraft,

9. Sankha: poetry, dramaturgy, music.

 

 

8 Auspicious Jain Symbols (Ashtamangal)

8 Auspicious Jain Symbols (Ashtamangal)

These are eight symbols Swastika, Shrivasta (an auspicious sign on the chest), Nandhyavarta (complex swastika), Vardhamanaka, Bhadrasana (a holy seat), Kalasha (Holy pitcher), Minyugala (Fish-couple) and Darpana (Mirror), That have been auspicious since time immemorial and have been depicted in the Kalpasutra. According to the scriptures every Jain has to draw them with pure un-broken rice-grains before the icon of the Tirthankar. Some have reduced this custom to the drawing of a swastika, along with three heaps of rice-grain symbolising knowledge, vision and character.

1. Swastika: symbolizes four destinies; a) human beings, b) heavenly beings, c) hellsih beings and d) tiryanchs (rest of the living beings). The root of Swastika is SU+US; SU means benefic and US means existence; so it also represents glory, prosperity, progress and success.

   
   

   
   

2. Shrivatsa: ’Vatsa’ means chest and ‘Shri’ means beauty. The middle of the chest is raised a little with a bunch of soft hair. This is called Shrivatsa. Shrivatsa means a beautiful mark on manifested itself from the heart of the Jina.

   
   

   
   

3. Nandyavart: big swastika with nine corners. In mythology nine points in nandhyavarta indicate nine types of material, mental, physical and spiritual wealth and treasure.

   
   

   
   

4. Vardhamanak: also known as sharav, which means a shallow earthen dish used for lamps. When one shallow dish is covered by another one upside down, it appears like a box. This symbol is suggestive of increase of wealth, fame and merit due to the grace of the Lord Jina.

   
   

   
   

5. Bhadrasana: (Sinhasana) meaning throne. It is auspicious because it is sanctified by the feet of the blessed Lord Jina.

   
   

   
   

6. Kalash: Symbol of auspiciousness. It is a holy pitcher or a jug made of copper, silver or steel. It is used for religious and social ceremonies. It is used in temples when certain images are being worshipped. When one enters a new home it is customary to carry the kalasha on the head reciting mantras. The kalasha is filled with pure water, which signifies wisdom and fullness. This ceremony is performed to welcome grace and happiness into the new home.

   
   

   
   

7. Minyugal: A pair of fish. It is a symbol of Cupid’s banners coming to worship the Jina after the defeat of the God of Love.

   
   

   
   

8. Darpan: Meaning a mirror. The mirror reflects one’s true self because of its clarity.