Question
Explain the most important idea of Jainism and its impact on Indian thinking.
Solution
The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy. In fact the principle of ahimsa, emphasised within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole. According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.
As we can see their idea of Ahimsa was extreme, but this did make a huge impact on the way of life in the Indian thinking . The later thinkers that came after Mahavira took huge learnign from him on Ahimsa. Gandhijis idea of non violence too had a huge impact of Mahavira. Moreover the idea of Karma is deeply intrinsic in the idea of Indian thinking.
As we can see their idea of Ahimsa was extreme, but this did make a huge impact on the way of life in the Indian thinking . The later thinkers that came after Mahavira took huge learnign from him on Ahimsa. Gandhijis idea of non violence too had a huge impact of Mahavira. Moreover the idea of Karma is deeply intrinsic in the idea of Indian thinking.
