3 Questions for followers of Jainism

[ambla]

I need to conduct an interview with at least one follower of Jainism for a religious studies class. My topic is to compare and contrast Islam and Jainism in terms of rituals of purification and concepts of morality. My interview questions are as follows:

1) What rituals in Jainism do you personally practice to purify the body or spirit?

2) Do you feel that you clearly understand the purpose and religious significance of the purification rituals you engage in?

3) As a follower of Jainism, do you feel that your personal beliefs regarding morality and purification reflect the doctrine of Jainism?

Because I can't count:

How would you describe your affiliation with Jainism? How devoted are you to the practice of your faith?


Thanks,
Anthony

 

[Arav]

Rituals are few in the personal life of a Jain. Simply because Mahavir made spirituality simple and natural. Now, some of the rituals, called Pujas, can be done with incense, water, and things like that. Basically when performing a small ritual, one is praising the qualities of the Siddhas (Liberated Souls), and Arihants (Souls who have Keval Jnana).

The way of Purification in Jainism isnt really threw Rituals, but threw Tapas, or Penance. Also known as Austerity. One major form of it is Fasting.

I personally believe that my morality and purification reflects the doctrine of Jainism well. My morality is Ahimsa, and my purification is Ahimsa. So, its quite simple, haha!

My affiliation with Jainism isnt that good. Where I live there arnt many Jains, but I keep contact with some Jains threw e-mail. And I am pretty devoted, but i slip back everyonce in a while. Best thing to do, is do what you can!