Paryushana and Jainism
A religion I haven't heard of, with a festival I can't pronounce. Welcome to a celebration plan of music, movies and food for the worlds most peaceful religion.
Tonight, we embark on a virtual adventure exploring Paryushana, a significant Jain festival. So, turn up the spiritual tunes and let's dive into the evening plan!
🕉️ Jainism: A Jewel in India's Spiritual Crown 🕉️
Over two millennia old, the Jain population today in India is estimated to only be around 4.5 million, or 0.4% of the total population. Despite this, Jain’s political and wealth influence is outsized!
☮️ 🕊️ The most peaceful religion
Jainism, often regarded as one of the world's most peaceful religions. It emphasises non-violence, truth, and asceticism - refuting any self indulgence.
This non-violence is taken to an extreme - especially for Monks of the region who are so close to gaining access to heaven/Moksha:
Monks will cover their mouth to stop accidentally kill flies
They will not eat onions or root veg as is it killing a plant and hence a soul - but they will leave leafs, fruit and products like dairy, and
One denomination believe to truly not have any physical attachments you must stop wearing clothes!
The goal is to escape the incarnation cycle by shedding Karma and hence elevating to Moksha - an eternal bliss which is completely detached from our dimension and hence is why we do not hear from the elevated again. In fact, this is present in their symbol:
The keen eyed of you may have spotted the Swastika.
It is a common symbol across the Indo-Asian regions. The Nazi’s decided on using it because of an Aryan myth of the origin of Europeans from Indo-Asia, and then took the icon simply as it looked Indo-Asian! They rotated 45deg to make their symbol - which was not called the swastika! We should call it the Hakenkreuz - hooked cross. The swastika is the Jain symbol!
🌌 👁️ Teachers of the Cosmic Ages
The word "Jain" itself means "follower of the Jinas," who are spiritual teachers or enlightened beings. There has been 24 Jinas (a.k.a Tirthankaras) that have relayed instructions and teachings.
And there wont be any more for a while!
That is because Jainism has a cyclical cosmic calendar that needs to end/repeat until the next 24 come again.
In short, Jains believe the universe is in an eternal loop/cycle where the universe gradually has declining morality of people for a couple of trillion years until the effect begins to reverse.
Oh and right now - we live in the era very close to the lowest morality of people…
🔄 Karma and Reincarnation
So I always thought Karma was a good thing to get - but apparently not.
If your soul has picked up Karma while you lived then you will not pass into Moksha/bliss. Karma is baggage and affects where you reincarnate too - the more Karma the further down the scale:
🏯 Jain Temples: Architectural Marvels 🏯
One of the defining features of Jain temple architecture is the towering spire or shikhara that adorns the sanctum sanctorum.
Jain temples, adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with vibrant colors, are a sight to behold. Some of the most famous Jain temples include the Dilwara Temples in Mount Abu Rajasthan, and the stunning Jain cave temples at Ellora and Ajanta.
🧘♀️ Paryushana: The Festival of Self-Purification 🧘♂️
Now, let's delve into the heart of our journey: Paryushana. This is one of the most significant festivals in Jainism, a time for deep introspection and spiritual renewal.
In fact, it means it - “Pary” means to remove yourself from other things, and “Ushana” means to see yourself.
Paryushana is an eight-day festival (though it can extend to ten days in some traditions) that involves fasting, prayer, meditation, and acts of kindness. Jains seek forgiveness for their sins and strive to live in harmony with all living beings.
🍽️ Jain Cuisine: A Feast of Simplicity
So Jains fast usually at this time, don’t eat root veg and meat etc, but this is a food newsletter - lets dive in to what Jains do eat!
🍲 Jain Style Paneer Butter Masala
🌽 Veg Samosas: Fried triangle delights
😋 Veg Pakoras: Fried, delicious mush
🥛 Basundi: Sweet condensed milk and nuts for dessert
♦️ Kaji Katli: Diamond-shaped Cashew-based sweet treats
🥤 Shikanji: A refreshing drink made from lemon juice, sugar, and spices, a perfect thirst quencher.
🎥 To the movies 🎥
As our evening plan continues, let's explore the world of cinema.
2012’s Ship of Theseus
A stunning and raw film about a blind photographer, dieing monk and a successful stockbroker - all of who are saved by a death.
1982’s Gandhi
Gandhi wasn’t a Jain but did list it as an influence of his and much of his career was spent traveling the areas it was prominent in. Plus it is an incredible movie
🪔 In Conclusion 🪔
As our evening plan comes to a close, we hope you've enjoyed this cultural journey through the world of Jainism and Paryushana. It's a celebration of spirituality, tradition, and the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture. So, whether you're seeking enlightenment or simply a delicious meal, Jainism and Paryushana have something to offer everyone.
Thank you for joining us on this adventure, and remember, the world is full of rich traditions waiting to be explored. Until next time, keep your curiosity alive and your heart open to new experiences.