How did you come upon Jainism?

[Shimi]

Hello!

I am currently in the process of exploring various religions and Jainism caught my attention emedietly.

For all of those that were not born into Jainism, how did you come upon it? Where did you begin, and what drew you to it?

Very eager to learn more!

 

[Subhankar Zac]

Hello!

I am currently in the process of exploring various religions and Jainism caught my attention emedietly.

For all of those that were not born into Jainism, how did you come upon it? Where did you begin, and what drew you to it?

Very eager to learn more!

Jainism certainly is the most peaceful relgion on earth with no evidence of religious violence whatsoever.
But on the other side, most of the regulations though very sweet, it's hard to maintain them all.
It not only prohibits meat and eggs, but also vegetables like potato, ginger, opinion, etc root vegetables.
Monks require to wear a mask to prevent inhaling pathogens.
Etc.

An incredible philosophy, just a little impractical for today.
I was a Jain for a while, but then it was too hard to do everything the laws say. Also, it suppresses all forms of pleasure and believes in austerities.
Which made me give this faith up and take Buddhism and Bhagavad Gita on.
Both makes a balance between two extremes and has many ways to reach what we'd call nirvana or liberation.
Though it's a great philosophy to follow if one can find a middle way in Jainism

 

[Aupmanyav]

My grand-father's colleague was a Jain. In good old times, when his daughter got married he got biryani prepared with Pinus gerardiana seeds (Chilgoza) instead of rice. In his old age when I happened to have a meal with him, he did not leave even a speck of food in the plate, then poured some water on it, rinsed the plate and drank the water (religiously, no wasting of food). Of course, the meal had to be before sun-down. Jains are not supposed to eat after that. That was my first introduction to Jainism. Of course, my best friend is a Jain. I come from an area where there are a lot of Jains (Rajasthan). I am not a Jain, I have differences of philosophy with Jainism, but I revere Mahavira. He was a Che Guevara of Indian religions, no Middle way with him. If it was non-possession, he jettisoned even a mendicants robe. If it was non-violence, he would check before taking a step to see that he is not putting his foot on something living. No use of utensils, they take alms in the cup of their hand, beg only once a day, do not ask for a second helping. He was a complete radical.

 

[Shimi]

Jainism certainly is the most peaceful relgion on earth with no evidence of religious violence whatsoever.
But on the other side, most of the regulations though very sweet, it's hard to maintain them all.
It not only prohibits meat and eggs, but also vegetables like potato, ginger, opinion, etc root vegetables.
Monks require to wear a mask to prevent inhaling pathogens.
Etc.

An incredible philosophy, just a little impractical for today.
I was a Jain for a while, but then it was too hard to do everything the laws say. Also, it suppresses all forms of pleasure and believes in austerities.
Which made me give this faith up and take Buddhism and Bhagavad Gita on.
Both makes a balance between two extremes and has many ways to reach what we'd call nirvana or liberation.
Though it's a great philosophy to follow if one can find a middle way in Jainism

Thank you for telling me this Subhankar I like extremes, and I am already a vegan. However, I doubt I would be able to convert to Jainism fully but I do think I would benefit greatly from incorporating some of their laws and teachings.

My grand-father's colleague was a Jain. In good old times, when his daughter got married he got biryani prepared with Pinus gerardiana seeds (Chilgoza) instead of rice. In his old age when I happened to have a meal with him, he did not leave even a speck of food in the plate, then poured some water on it, rinsed the plate and drank the water (religiously, no wasting of food). Of course, the meal had to be before sun-down. Jains are not supposed to eat after that. That was my first introduction to Jainism. Of course, my best friend is a Jain. I come from an area where there are a lot of Jains (Rajasthan). I am not a Jain, I have differences of philosophy with Jainism, but I revere Mahavira. He was a Che Guevara of Indian religions, no Middle way with him. If it was non-possession, he jettisoned even a mendicants robe. If it was non-violence, he would check before taking a step to see that he is not putting his foot on something living. No use of utensils, they take alms in the cup of their hand, beg only once a day, do not ask for a second helping. He was a complete radical.

Aupmanyav, thank you for sharing this with me.

 

[Subhankar Zac]

Thank you for telling me this Subhankar I like extremes, and I am already a vegan. However, I doubt I would be able to convert to Jainism fully but I do think I would benefit greatly from incorporating some of their laws and teachings.

By ethnicity I m a Bengali Hindu, so fish is compulsory in my home (with exception of funerals and festivals) though I hate the taste, can't digest it properly and hate meat in general.
I'd love to be a vegan, provided the vegan dishes are good to taste.

 

[Aupmanyav]

.. and I am already a vegan.

I was a vegan for two months recently. Liked the experience. It is not difficult to do in India (though my community is known for its love of non-vegetarian food).

 

[Shimi]

I was a vegan for two months recently. Liked the experience. It is not difficult to do in India (though my community is known for its love of non-vegetarian food).

I'm glad you enjoyed the experience! Here in the states it is a bit difficult. I have heard that India is very vegetarian/vegan friendly. I would very much like to visit one day.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I would not say that is is majorly vegetarian, but it sure is very vegetarian/vegan friendly - over most of India.
Vegetarian eateries: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=V...D#newwindow=1&tbm=isch&q="Vaishno+bhojnalaya"

 

[MushroomMan]

I was researching all sorts of religions, looking for truth and meaning, and Jainism struck me as the most true and admirable of all.

 

[SlaveofShinri]

I was taught of different religious world views in school and found Ahimsa to be a very compelling philosophy which I have tried to maintain throughout my life.