Religions Chart: Hinduism Jainism In India

Religions Chart: Unit 2 Kelsey Allen

Religion Name Hinduism Jainism

Origins:

Founder, Key Figures, Historical Development, Cosmogony, Myths Hinduism is the religion that resides in India. India itself is a country that partially sided by water. Although there are two sides that are boarded by water, the third side is lined by the Himalayan Mountains. “It is the relative isolation of India that has helped create a culture that is rare and fascinating” (Molloy, Pg. 75). Hinduism the most common religion that is practiced in India. “Many influences – early indigenous religion and influences from later immigrants – have added to its inherent momentum”

183). “They believe that in the present cycle of the universe, twenty-four great people have reached perfection; and though living in quite different centuries, these saints have been role models and guides who have shown the way to others” (Molloy, Pg. 184). Nataputta Vardhamana is said to be the founder of Jainism. He is, "usually referred to by an honorary title: Mahavira, meaning “great man” or “hero” (Molloy, Pg.

Those who lived in India commonly mark their things with seals that mostly have pictures of animals, like a bull, tiger, and rhinoceros, they could also have images of men and women. “… the male with the horns on his head may be a deity and an early form of the god Shiva, and the pillars resemble the low columns that some contemporary Indians worship in honor of Shiva. It is also quite possible that the present-day worship of the divine Great Mother and of tree spirits goes back to this early time” (Molloy, Pg. 78). “The ancient scriptures of India are called the Vedas. They give a great deal of information about gods and worship during what is often called the Vedic period, generally thought to cover about 2000 to 500 BCE” (Molloy, Pg. 78). “Jainism, like Buddhism, rather starkly rejects belief in a Creator God” (Molloy, Pg. 186). Jainism have different cycles that they believe in, they are considered the rise and the fall. Those who believe in Jainism, believe that “everything is full of life and is capable of suffering”. Monks and nuns have five different ethical recommendations that they are expected to enforce quite strictly. Those recommendations are; Nonviolence, Nonlying, Nonstealing, Nonattachment, and