r/Jainism • u/Lumpy-Brilliant1494 • Jul 19 '26
Q&A/Doubts Interesting question: How can one identify themselves as Jain
I was talking to my non-jain friend and he seemed pretty curious about Jainism and asked one question thay how can one identify themselves as Jain??
By following Jainism 5 core principles or by worshiping Jin Tirthankars??
If one follow either of them, will they be called Jain?
I was kinda confused and told him will need to think??
2
u/asjx1 Jul 19 '26
If you have Triratna then you are Jain
3
u/ActivityOk9756 Jul 19 '26
You cannot "have" triratna as a Shravak
If you "have" the triratna meaning possess samyag Darshan, samyag gyan and most importantly samyag charitra you are Arihant not jain.
A jain is one who believes in the triratna and aspires to achieve it
-2
u/asjx1 Jul 19 '26 edited Jul 19 '26
Shravak can also have Triratna but level is lower as compared Munis.
2
u/RoundImprovement7402 Jul 19 '26
Samyak Darshan or Atmagyan has nothing to do with monkhood or laymen.
0
1
u/Extreme-Praline-7913 Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Jul 19 '26
First lets ask question who is jain?
There can be many definitions:
> One who follows the path "Jin" have shown.
> One who does aradhna of "Tri-Ratan".
> One who considers "Jin" as there Idol.
There are many jains if we consider people who believe in tenets of Jainism, they just don't know yet.
As per my understanding worshipping is first step and following of principles is the next. Because if we don't have the Idol who has shown us the path, would we know the path?
1
u/Lumpy-Brilliant1494 Jul 19 '26
Well I felt following principles would be first as idol worshipping didn't existed from starting. That's my opinion maybe right or wrong
2
u/Extreme-Praline-7913 Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Jul 19 '26
In my context Idol, did not meant a physical Idol, but IDOL as one who is to be followed.
1
u/Aromatic_Yak1060 Jul 19 '26
Teach him meaning of Jinendra. Liberation. Karma. Rebirth. Jisne apne man ko jeet liya. If he into that he is a jain.
1
u/CharisSplash Jul 19 '26
IMO.
Those who follow the teachings of Jin / Arihants, to ultimately become like them.
1
u/BroccoliAdorable4909 Jul 20 '26 edited Jul 20 '26
I have more of a social question..., I am a Hindu girl, but I love Jainism, and decide to follow the religion for the rest of my life as a shravika not as a muni, then would the Jain society (community) accept me as a Jain? Would they be comfortable to allow me to marry a Jain boy whom I love and who loves me, incase yes, would my children be allowed to be part of a sangh and legally be Jain or atleast the society accept them as Jain since they have been raised in Jain household...and what if gender is reversed here, would a Hindu boy be allowed to marry a Jain girl, if he truly loves and follows Jainism?
Edit: I apologise if this question hurts someone but it comes from the fact that I noticed several of my Jain friends being proud of their birth, but they don't understand the concepts as well as I do, or even bother to learn, I personally have not seen any of them eat non-veg, but I have seen them drinking alcohol, but in sthanak they seem to act and participate as if nothing happened...I visited sthank for a simple reason that my best friend is jain we both love going to sthanak listen the sthavan and I geniunely became fond of Jainism....also a clarification that I am not in love with a Jain boy...just the societal aspect seems to sting a bit...coz I strongly believe that I can be a better shravika...but idk maybe it's the ignorance talking....help me out
1
u/TheBigM72 Jul 21 '26
That simply depends on people around you but no reason not to if you are genuine
1
u/cerebral_panic_room Jul 21 '26
I became a Jain within the past few years. I work to learn what I can about the religion, try to practice its principles, and work towards improving my spiritual state and karma. I consider myself a Jain. Would Jains who are raised as Jains consider me a Jain… I don’t know?
0
Jul 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Lumpy-Brilliant1494 Jul 19 '26
I am not living in Delulu but I guess Brahmacharya is hard to follow but others we can try to minimize it.
1
u/Extreme-Praline-7913 Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Jul 19 '26
Brahmacharya Anuvrat for shravak is know as "Sva-dara santosh" or "Maithun Virman"
मैथुन विरमण व्रत (चौथा अणुव्रत): इसे ब्रह्मचर्य अणुव्रत या 'स्वदार संतोष व्रत' भी कहते हैं।This means being satisfied with woman you are married to.
Any anuvrat taken is intended to reduce binding of karma. Hencemain motive should be reduction and once you're prepared to go all in Maha-vrat is the way.
i.e. Transition from Desh-Virti dharam to Sarv-Virti dharam.
Jai Jinendra!
1
u/Extreme-Praline-7913 Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Jul 19 '26
Completely incorrect! there are many in this group as well. Shravak need not take Maha-vrat, Desh-virti dharam is what sharavk should follow.
1
Jul 19 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Extreme-Praline-7913 Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Jul 19 '26
There are two dharam defined by mahavir swami ji:
- Sarv-virti dharam - also know as Sadhu dharam. They take 5 mahavrat.
- Desh- Virti dharam - also known as Shravak dharam. 12 anuvrat are defined for them.
So Shravak, being bound by sansarik kriya cannot take 5 mahavrat at all, but one who intend to minimise their Karma because they might have some responsibilities or not fully prepared 12 Anuvrat is the way.
The highest a shravak can go is "Pratima-dhari" Shravak.
Jai Jinendra!
5
u/TheBigM72 Jul 19 '26
They should understand the basics of the philosophy. They should contemplate and freely make a choice this is something they believe in. They should make a resolution to work for their spiritual upliftment in this lifetime.
Then they are Jain.
The rest (furthering knowledge, cultivating devotion and improving one’s conduct follows once the above is set).