The Path to Liberation From Jainism to Secular Contexts

Abstract

Jainism is an ancient faith tradition from the South Asian region that is practiced around the world. Jainism rests on the doctrine of non-violence (ahimsa) which makes up the most important belief for Jains to practice. Per the teachings of their Thirthankar Mahavira, Jains also place great importance on the ideas of the multiplicity of views (anekantavada) and non-possessiveness (aparigraha) in attempting to emulate his way of life that led him to moksha, the final release to liberation. While Jainism has the concept of liberation as an ultimate goal, it does differ from the idea of liberation in social justice movements and secular, nonreligious spaces. This examination, however, is to compare how similar the paths taken for each kind of liberation are, be it the one in Jainism or one toward secular social justice.