Life Class – CT – God and Religion
As a follower of Jainism, I am deeply connected to my faith and its teachings. Jainism, with its profound understanding of life, karma, and the soul, offers a spiritual path that I feel privileged to walk. For me, being a Jain is not only about heritage but a conscious journey of understanding life and the cycle of birth and rebirth.
In Jainism, we believe that the soul, or aatma, is eternal. It moves through lifetimes, shaped by the karmas we accumulate. Our actions, intentions, and thoughts influence the journey of our soul, guiding it through cycles until we attain moksha, the ultimate liberation. Attaining moksha is not a simple task; it requires awareness of our karmas and a dedication to live consciously, aligning our actions with principles that minimize harm and attachment.
Jain practices focus more on self-reflection than rituals. We don’t center on elaborate ceremonies or worship but instead focus on dhyan (meditation) and reciting shloks (sacred verses) to calm the mind. This spiritual discipline allows us to cultivate inner peace, compassion, and a detachment from worldly desires. It is through these practices that we aim to purify our karmas, bringing us closer to liberation.
Though I am still growing in my understanding of Jainism, I am constantly striving to deepen my knowledge. Jainism is incredibly rich and intricate, offering perspectives on every aspect of life. For me, Jainism is more than a belief system; it’s a way of seeing life with compassion and self-awareness. It is a challenging path, but deeply meaningful, and I’m honored to be part of this tradition that guides me toward a compassionate, purposeful life.