Jainism regards every living soul as potentially divine. The goal of Jainism is to realize the soul's true nature. When the soul sheds its karmic bonds completely, it attains divine consciousness. Jainism prescribes a path of non-violence to progress the soul to this ultimate goal. (see video)
Navakar Mantra is the fundamental prayer in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day. Praying by reciting this mantra, the devotee bows in respect to liberated souls still in human form (Arihantas), fully liberated souls (Siddhas), spiritual leaders (Acharyas), teachers (Upadyayas) and all the monks (sarva sadhus). By saluting them as namo namaha, Jains receive inspiration from them to follow their path to achieve true bliss and total freedom from the karmas binding their souls. This mantra serves as a simple gesture of deep respect towards beings who are more spiritually advanced. The mantra also reminds followers of the ultimate goal of reaching nirvana or moksha. (see video)
Jains are strict vegetarians. They avoid eating root vegetables in general, as the plant needed to be killed in order to harvest them. Orthodox Jains eat before the night falls. They filter water regularly so as to remove any small insects that may be present and boil (and may cool) the water prior to consumption, as heated water will not be the suitable base for micro organisms to develop immediately.
Jain Pooja: A bath should be taken before the prayer. A clean body prepares and assists the mind to be in spiritual mode. This is also symbolic of washing one's dirt or karmas. In order to assist in the meditative process place saffron paste or sandal paste on ring finger and anoint the forehead. This may be applied to earlobes, neck and other acupressure parts of the body. Clothes: Clean washed clothes that are simple worn. White clothing is preferred.
Paryushan is an important festival among the Jain festivals. It happens during late August / September commencing on the twelfth day of the fortnight of the wanning moon cycle and ending in the fourteenth of the fortnight of the waxing moon cycle. Jain scholars and monks visit temples and explain the Jain philosophy. Jains during this period practice external austerities such as fasting, limiting their normal activities so as to reduce the harm to worms and insects that thrive during this season. At the conclusion of the festivities, a lookback is encouraged, and Pratikraman is done for repentance of faults and forgiveness is given and asked for from all.
Jains practice Samayika, which is a Sanskrit word meaning equanimity and derived from samaya (the soul). The goal of samayika is to attain equanimity. Samayika is begun by achieving a balance in time. If this current moment is defined as a moving line between the past and the future, samayika happens by being fully aware, alert and conscious in that moving time line when one experiences atma, one's true nature, common to all life forms.
Also see Jain Tirth Places, 24 Tirthankars
