41 Jainism Quotes To Inspire
“Beauty Doesn’t Last Forever, But A Beautiful Heart Does.”- Mahavira
Approximately 5 million people in the world belong to the Jainism faith. This religion is most widely practiced in India, and there are others in different areas throughout the world. There are more than 100,000 Jains living in the United States.
Jains, that is, people who belong to Jainism, believe in nonviolence toward all living things and live their lives trying to decrease harm to animals, and plants as well. Jainism has much in common with Hinduism. The idea of karma and reincarnation are the same in both faiths. However, Hinduism and Jainism are unalike in that Hinduism subscribes to the belief in a god which is the creator of all, while Jainism believes, as does Buddhism, in perfect ascetics who see truth and the right path.
There are three principles which guide those of the Jainist faith: right belief, right knowledge, right conduct. Jains conduct their lives according to these three principles.
With a life devoted to kindness, forgiveness, and understanding, quotes inspired by Jainism can provide a positive light in anyone’s life.
Quotes can be helpful in our lives as they can cheer us up when we are feeling down, they can help us to find a path in life, they can make us feel less lonely, they can help us to cherish our existence, and they can help us to look at the world around us and see the beauty in it.
Quotes are typically short in length which makes it easy for us to read them and take in their meaning. Quotes take a thought or idea and relay the essence of that in a phrase or a few sentences.
We are surrounded by quotes, and not all of those quotes will be meaningful to us, however there may be some that strike a chord. Depending on our particular circumstances and what we are going through in our life, a certain phrase of encouragement and understanding may be what we need to help us deal with the situation.
A quote may stand out to us as being particularly beautiful, and you may want to use it to be reminded of that beauty on a regular basis.
Whatever purpose a quote may serve for you, there are many available. The quotes in this article focus on the beliefs which are the foundation of Jainism, and can provide you with values and ideas that may improve your quality of being.
As you read the quotes, focus on the message of each one, and let them speak to you. There may be a quote which resonates with you, and which you can adopt into your life.
One-Liner Quotes And Teaching Of Lord Mahavira
"Soul is the central point of spiritual discipline." - Mahavira
"A soul can only achieve liberation by getting rid of all the karma attached to it." - Mahavira
"Modes are infinite, and laws are infinite." - Mahavira
"Start the practice of self-control with some penance; begin with fasting." - Mahavira
"The nature of things is dharma." - Mahavira
"Do not deprive someone of his livelihood. This is a sinful tendency." - Mahavira
"Faith and Prayer both are invisible, but they make impossible things possible." - Mahavira
"Beauty doesn't last forever, but a beautiful heart does." - Mahavira
"All are my friends. I have no enemies." - Mahavira
"The most important principle of environment is that you are not the only element." - Mahavira
"All souls are equal and alike and have the similar nature and qualities." - Mahavira
"Peace begins when the expectation ends." - Mahavira
"Eating constitutes the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence." - Mahavira
"The happiest people are givers, not takers." - Mahavira
"In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self." - Mahavira
"Do not let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace" - Mahavira
"Live and allow others to live; hurt no one; life is dear to all living beings." - Mahavira
"Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love." - Mahavira
"Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being." - Mahavira
"Kill not, cause no pain. Nonviolence is the greatest religion." - Mahavira
"Kill not, cause no pain. Non-violence is the greatest religion." - Mahavira
"In happiness & suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self." - Mahavira
RELATED: 2210 WONDERFUL GOOD MORNING MESSAGES TO FILL EVERY DAY WITH SUNSHINE
"Don’t accumulate if you do not need. The excess of wealth in your hands is for the society, and you are the trustee for the same." - Mahavira
"Non-violence & kindness to living beings is kindness to oneself." - Mahavira
"It is better to win over the self than to win over a million enemies." - Mahavira
Long Jainism Quotes By Lord Mahavira
“Can you hold a red-hot iron rod in your hand merely because some one wants you to do so? Then, will it be right on your part to ask others to do the same thing just to satisfy your desires? If you cannot tolerate infliction of pain on your body or mind by others' words and actions, what right have you to do the same to others through your words and deeds? Do unto others as you would like to be done by. Injury or violence done by you to any life in any form, animal or human, is as harmful as it would e if caused to your own self.” - Mahavira
"Do unto others as you would like to be done by. Injury or violence done by you to any life in any form, animal or human, is as harmful as it would be if caused to your own self." - Mahavira
"Attachment and aversion are the root cause of karma, and karma originates from infatuation. Karma is the root cause of birth and death, and these are said to be the source of misery. None can escape the effect of their own past karma." - Mahavira
"By sincerity, a man gains physical, mental and linguistic straightforwardness, and harmonious tendency; that is, congruence of speech and action." - Mahavira
"If you want to cultivate a habit, do it without any reservation, till it is firmly established. Until it is so confirmed, until it becomes a part of your character, let there be no exception, no relaxation of effort." - Mahavira
"A man is seated on top of a tree in the midst of a burning forest. He sees all living beings perish. But he doesn’t realize that the same fate is soon to overtake him also. That man is fool." - Mahavira
"All breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away." - Mahavira
"One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them." - Mahavira
“A non-religious person when awaken would make others sleep. Therefore his sleeping is good. A religious person when awaken will awaken others. Therefore his awakening is good." - Mahavira
"If one undertakes retrospection of the day's events, one must do it regularly at the appointed hour, not fitfully, not doing it today, neglecting to do it tomorrow and the day after and then taking it up again on the fourth day. Such irregular practice is not conducive to the confirmation of the habit of retrospection." - Mahavira
"Don't accumulate if you do not need. The excess of wealth in your hands is for the society, and you are the trustee for the same." - Mahavira
More Jainism Quotes By Other Authors
“If you think that it would be impossible to improve upon the Ten Commandments as a statement of morality, you really owe it to yourself to read some other scriptures. Once again, we need look no further than the Jains: Mahavira, the Jain patriarch, surpassed the morality of the Bible with a single sentence: 'Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being.' Imagine how different our world might be if the Bible contained this as its central precept. Christians have abused, oppressed, enslaved, insulted, tormented, tortured, and killed people in the name of God for centuries, on the basis of a theologically defensible reading of the Bible.” - Sam Harris
RELATED: 155 Of Neville Goddard’s Most Influential & Inspiring Quotes
“We preach and practice brotherhood — not only of man but of all living beings — not on Sundays only but on all the days of the week. We believe in the law of universal justice — that our present condition is the result of our past actions and that we are not subjected to the freaks of an irresponsible governor, who is prosecutor and judge at the same time; we depend for our salvation on our own acts and deeds and not on the sacrificial death of an attorney.” - Virchand Raghavji Gandhi.
“If a person's mind is controlled by forces of revenge and jealousy, it cannot express love & sympathy. And even if they show love and sympathy to others it will yield no good result. The thought will not be reflected in love but in hate.” - Virchand Raghavji Gandhi
“Each would understand Mahavira in their own language. The lion would sit down with lamb, and the king with the beggar. Each would respect the other. For they could see a living soul, and not just a body, in their neighbor.” - Manoj Jain
“Jain teachings do not stand or fall on rational arguments; rather, the sole and sufficient guarantee of their validity is the Tirthankar's omniscience. These teachings are not only regarded as unconditionally true; they are also enunciated for one specific purpose and for no other reason. That purpose is the attainment of liberation from the world's bondage.” - Lawrence A. Babb
Next Steps
Quotes can speak to us for many different reasons and purposes. The Jainist quotes in this article are centered around improving the self, becoming more in tune with how we see our world and how we act in relation to it.
Follow these steps to make the quote that resonates with you a meaningful part of your life, to even motivate significant change within yourself.
It is not enough to read words and enjoy them. If a quote is to inspire real change, we must create a relationship with the quote and intentionally interact with it on a daily basis.
RELATED: 137 Uplifting Self-love Affirmations To Find Confidence
See It
The first step in making a quote work for you is to see it often. Every time you read the quote it will be more firmly implanted in your mind, and you will be able to recall it more easily. The quote will gradually become part of how you think, and it will guide your thoughts and actions.
Put the quote where you will see it throughout your day. If you have a work desk, put it somewhere on the desk that will allow you to readily see it. You could also put the quote on a mug that you use at work, so every time you drink your coffee, you will be reminded of the message.
If reading is a favorite pastime, you might want to make a bookmark with the quote on it.
Putting your quote on jewelry is a great idea for anyone who likes necklaces, rings or bracelets.
You might even want to stencil the quote on a wall - perhaps in your bedroom, or in the entranceway.
Intention Is key
Once you have placed your quote in areas that surround you throughout your day, it is time to take the next step, commitment.
Words are wonderful on their own, but to make those words a part of you, and to use them to really make a difference in how you think, speak, and act you must set an intention.
When you read the quote, think deeply about what it is saying. You want to have a solid understanding of the meaning of the quote.
Now apply that message to your life. Be specific in how you are going to apply the quote to your life. Think of different situations during your day, and how you can ‘be’ that quote in those situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Jainism Quotes Help Me If I Am Not Of That Religious Faith?
There are many general beliefs of Jainism which may appeal to many as they embody beliefs that are widely upheld in society in general.
The belief in nonviolence, for example, is something that many people have. Karma is another aspect of Jainism which many hold to be true. Knowledge and truth are important parts of Jainism, and quotes based on these may speak to many individuals.
Are There Specific Rules That Jains Must Follow?
Like all religions, Jainism has a set of expectations of their believers. They are called Anuvrates:
RELATED: Over 100 Quotes Of Empowerment And Peace By Joseph Murphy
The Five Anuvratas
-
Non-violence - Ahimsa
- Jains are required to live a life of nonviolence to all living things. Jains adhere strictly to a vegetarian diet.
-
Truthfulness - Satya
- Truth and seeking truth is an essential part of Jainism.
-
Non-stealing - Achaurya or Asteya
- The rule to not steal is a basic expectation of the Jainist religion.
- Chastity - Bramacharya
- Non-possession - Aparigraha
Continue Reading????????: 92 Of James Allan’s Most Famous Quotes To Join The Path Of Self-Discovery