The main picture leading to this article features only one part of the much more detailed religious icon that represents Jainism. The picture to the left (or above, if viewed on a phone) is the complete image (called Prateek Chihna). It is one of the most unique, religious emblems in the world and is full of symbolism. It was officially adopted in 1975 during the 2,500-year celebration of the last Jain leader who attained nirvana (according to their tradition). His name was Mahavira, recognized as the 24th Tirthankara (a word meaning “ford-maker”—used for the revered heads of Jainism who “crossed over” the river of transmigration in the past and help others, by their teaching and example, to do the same). (The word “transmigration” is a reference to the cycle of reincarnations to which a soul is subjected, according to the Jain worldview. This lengthy series of deaths and rebirths is called samsara.)
The full emblem of Jainism contains eight sub-images that represent eight primary beliefs of this worldview—a religion embraced by approximately ten million people, the vast majority of which live in India.
Let’s start at the bottom of the icon and work our way to the top.
The mysterious motto
The motto at the very bottom of this iconic image is written in an ancient language of India and Nepal (the Devanagari Script) and it encapsulates one of the most important principles in Jainism. Transliterated into the English alphabet, this often-quoted aphorism reads: Parasparopagraho Jivanam. The English interpretation is:
“All souls render service to one another.”
OR
“All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence.”
Both interpretations basically communicate the same thing because “Jains believe that every living being, from a plant or a bacterium to human, has a soul and the concept forms the very basis of Jainism.”[1] In other words, human beings are called to live in harmony and peace with all living things, for we are all part of the whole. For this reason, most Jains are strict vegetarians, and conservative adherents are even careful not to kill or harm the smallest, most insignificant creatures.
The proclamation in the palm
One of the most familiar parts of the Jain emblem is the raised hand with the word “Ahimsa” in the middle of the palm. This term means non-violence or non-harm (in thought, word, or deed). This is the central tenet of this unique religion that greatly influenced Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent, civil resistance to the British occupation of India. Gandhi’s success significantly affected Martin Luther King, helping to shape his approach to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. So, people in the West have been greatly affected by this religious philosophy from the East, though most are unaware of the connection.
Quite often, the “Ahimsa” raised palm has been used as a popular image on various types of jewelry and is often worn by people who do not even understand or embrace the historical and religious history behind it.
The following passage from Mahabharata (a Hindu holy book) emphasizes the cardinal importance of Ahimsa in Hinduism also:
Ahimsa is the highest Dharma, Ahimsa is the highest self-control,
Ahimsa is the greatest gift, Ahimsa is the best practice,
Ahimsa is the highest sacrifice, Ahimsa is the finest strength,
Ahimsa is the greatest friend, Ahimsa is the greatest happiness,
Ahimsa is the highest truth, and Ahimsa is the greatest teaching.[2]
The multi-spoked wheel surrounding the word “Ahimsa” is the dharmachakra which stands for the resolve to stop the cycle of rebirths (samsara) through a persistent pursuit of Ahimsa. The word “dharma” means both doctrine and duty: what a person believes and the way he or she lives as a result.
The chakra wheel represents something in motion continuously—just like the endless cycle of reincarnation and karma a person is subjected to until he or she breaks out by attaining a higher state of consciousness. On the contrary, biblical Christianity teaches that human beings live only one life, and it is essentially important to find God, know God, and serve God during that brief earthly sojourn. Jesus, our Savior, said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
So the biblical approach is quite a different approach!
The twenty-four spokes in the wheel represent the twenty-four Tirthankaras (ford-makers) who are the recognized former leaders of that religion. Mythological stories surround the first twenty-two Tirthankaras, but there is no historical information affirming their actual existence. Supposedly, the twenty-third Tirthankara was Parshvanatha who is spoken of historically. Mahavira, his successor, was the twenty-fourth. Mahavira was surrounded by opulence, born in a royal family, but he supposedly rejected that life of comfort at the age of 30, to seek higher knowledge as an extreme ascetic.
The outline of the image
The outline of the initial image shared at the beginning of this article represents three Loks (meaning “realms”). “The upper portion indicates heaven, the middle portion indicates the material world, and the lower portion indicates hell” (which, in Jainism, is only a temporary place of suffering, a kind of Purgatory, where souls supposedly suffer for a season in between rebirths, because of negative karma that must be paid off).[3]
The semi-circular, topmost portion symbolizes siddhashila, which is a superior realm above the other three realms and is the apex of the universe. Siddhashila is the realm inhabited by arahants (also called jinas, those who have conquered attachment to this world) and tirthankaras (revered, enlightened leaders). They are all referred to as siddhas: bodiless, omniscient, liberated souls who have conquered their karma and the cycle of reincarnation and dwell in absolute knowledge and ultimate bliss.
The swastika: a shocking element
What a shocking thing it is that Jains, who emphasize non-injury (non-harm) of any living creature, would have the swastika in the center of their religion’s logo! Jainism is inarguably one of the most peaceful religions in the world. However, unknown to many, this image (called a svastika in Sanskrit) was used in eastern religions for many centuries as a mark of well-being, or a state of goodness or good fortune, long before it was hijacked by Naziism. It is often seen in Hindu religious art, in temples and homes, and even the Hindu temple flag.
All Jain temples and holy books must contain the svastika and ceremonies typically begin and end with creating a swastika mark several times with rice around the altar. Jains use rice to make a svastika in front of statues and then put an offering on it, dried fruit, or currency.
The four arms and the spaces in between them (at times, containing large dots) represent the four types of birth an embodied soul might attain until it is eventually liberated from the cycle of birth and death:
—Heavenly beings (“devas encantadia”)
—Human beings
—Hellish beings
—Subhuman like flora or fauna
Hitler’s hooked cross
Apparently, Adolf Hitler’s hooked cross (called the Hakenkreuz, pronounced hock-in-krois) was the result of cultural appropriation. (Cultural appropriation happens when one culture adopts elements of another culture without giving proper credit or respect.) If this is the case, it was definitely a misappropriation, one that was evil, twisted, completely opposite, and completely inappropriate.
The image of a swastika for many of us immediately awakens dark memories of Hitler’s egomaniacal aspirations, his twisted theory of Aryan superiority, his vile and vicious, demon-inspired treatment of the Jewish people, and the wicked agenda that engulfed the world in the second global war that caused over 50 million deaths. Neo-Nazis still wave this horrible image on flags as a sign of rebellion and antisemitism. How ironic it is that in most far eastern religions it still conveys the idea of something pleasant and desirable!
It is noteworthy that a slight difference exists between the two emblems: the German swastika is tilted at a 45-degree angle balancing on the outer point of one of its arms, while the Hindu swastika is upright resting on the full length of one arm. Still, this association will never be fully reversed in the minds of most people, especially in the West.
Other religions long ago incorporated this symbol into their chosen symbolic images:
Buddhism—In this additional Indian religion, a swastika represents the auspicious footprints of the Buddha.
Zoroastrianism—In this Persian religion, a swastika is a symbol of the revolving sun, infinity, or the continuing creation. It also represents the four sacred elements: air, water, earth, and fire.
Theosophical Society—A swastika is part of the emblem of this New Age group founded by Helena Blavatsky. She was a very dark soul, an occultist who was intensely anti-Christian, who declared that believing in the vicarious sufferings of Jesus for our sins is “dangerous dogma” and that Christianity is a “religious farce” and “a parasitic growth.” [4] Some say that her concept of “root races” contributed to Hitler’s belief in a supposedly superior Aryan race. It should be mentioned that Blavatsky died and is still in the grave, but Jesus arose victoriously and lives forevermore.
As a Christian, I feel compelled to add information about a different kind of cross altogether—the cross of Jesus Christ—not the broken cross of Hitler’s twisted philosophy. The cross of Christ is one of the main symbols of Christianity and is much more than just a symbol of “good fortune.” Setting our faith on the One who died on a cross for the sins of humanity, and surrendering to Him as Lord of our lives, results in the washing away of our sins and the impartation of the gift of eternal life. Jesus tasted death for every human being, suffering the judgment we should have suffered, that we might be free from the curse of death forever. Once again, that involves much more than experiencing a fortunate state of being; receiving Jesus Christ into our hearts and lives results in spiritual rebirth, the restoration of a relationship with God. The Savior invites all of humanity with the loving words:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
The three dots
Proceeding up the image of Jainism, we see three equally-sized dots. These represent Ratnatraya (the “three jewels” of Jainism—Right faith, Right knowledge, Right conduct) that lead to liberation from the cycle of rebirths. I agree with these three goals wholeheartedly, however, right faith, right knowledge and right conduct from a biblical perspective is different in many ways than what is taught in Jainism.
The dot and the section above the semi-circle
The uppermost dot and space inside the semi-circle represents the highest realm attainable and the souls who dwell in that formless, omniscient, ecstatic state.
According to the Bible, the future existence of those who possess eternal life will not be formlessness. Rather, when Jesus returns—gloriously accompanied by all his holy angels and departed saints—God’s people will be glorified, changed in a moment and given glorified eternal bodies. So, the promised outcome is radically different, as the following Bible passage indicates:
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY.” “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:51-58)
A final, important note
In closing, I must say I admire Jains. The name of their religion (Jainism) means “conquerors” and implies that they are striving to conquer within themselves the violence, greed, lust, and selfishness that dominate this world. Jains are precious people with a higher aspiration of making this world a much better place. I respect that. My heart’s cry is that they will learn the following three biblical truths absent from their worldview:
- There is a Creator God who made all things in the beginning. (Jains believe that the universe is eternal and uncreated.) (See Genesis 1.)
- God came to earth in the form of His Son, born of a virgin named Mary, to lead us back into a real relationship with our heavenly Father. (According to Jain teaching, the tirthankaras are neither avatars [incarnations of God] nor deities.)
- When He was on the earth, Jesus taught the principles of the kingdom of God for three years. Then He was crucified by those who opposed Him. However, He rose from the dead and forty days later, ascended victoriously to heaven and reigns as Lord over all things. Those who truly believe in Him are filled with the Spirit of God and receive the gift of eternal life. (See Matthew 1-2, Luke 1-2.)
If you happen to be a Jain and want to know more about Jesus, I urge you to contact me. I will share with you how I once embraced Hinduism and was a devoted guru running a yoga ashram, then Jesus revealed Himself to me in a very remarkable way and my life was changed forever. I shut down my ashram, quit teaching yoga at four universities, and shortly afterward, began traveling and sharing the Gospel. Now, for over fifty years, I have taught biblical truth in fourteen different nations. You can listen to my story at this link.
Click here for a short historical overview of Jainism on this website.
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[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parasparopagraho_Jivanam
[2]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa#:~:text=words%2C%20and%20thoughts.-,The%20Epics,is%20the%20highest%20moral%20virtue.
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_symbols#Jain_emblem
[4] https://www.gutenberg.org/files/55618/55618-h/55618-h.htm, https://blavatskytheosophy.com/blavatsky-on-vicarious-atonement/
