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Jainism In Chicago Essay

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We had visited the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC), located in Bartlett Illinois. JSMC, which is one of the largest Jain centers in North America, was founded in 1970 and has about 1850 families registered as members of the society. There is about 10,000 Jains in the Chicago area, with a population of 4 million in the world. The religion of Jainism has existed throughout the eternity, historical archaeological evidences report Jainism to be at least 2800 years. It is not a branch or part of another faith, it is an independent religion. Jains believe there is no creator or destroyer of all existence, no beginning or end. Every living thing will go through a continuous cycle of life and death which depends on the karma you have gained through your previous lives. The center we visited was quite eco-friendly and welcoming, we got to ask many questions and learn about their faith and practices. Even pictures were allowed throughout the place. We got to enter the temple area where there was a sandalwood paste that you can put on your forehead in respect to the Tirthankars, who are the spiritual teachers of the virtuous path to Moksha, an …show more content…

Ahimsa is the belief that all living things have a soul and consist of the 5 elements of the universe, they are going through a stage of the many lives one goes through to achieve Moksha and should not be harmed. Anekantvad is to take a multi-side view and accept all beliefs and ideas, as to better help us in being non-violent. Aparigraha is the complete detachment of all interests, pleasures, places, materials and people. It is to help you limit yourself and have a respect for life. There is also an ethical code known as the three jewels of Jainism, the right faith, the right knowledge and the right conduct. All of these are necessary in order to liberate oneself from the cycle of life and

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