Karman and Compassion: Animals in the Jain Universal History
Issue: Vol 7 No. 1-3 (2013) Vol. 7, No. 1/No. 2 (Double) 2013
Journal: Religions of South Asia
Subject Areas: Religious Studies Buddhist Studies Islamic Studies
Abstract:
As a religious tradition which largely defines itself by its propagation of non-violence (ahiṃsā) and respect for all living beings, Jainism gives particular attention to the well-being of animals, e.g. in the prescription of a strict (lacto-)vegetarian diet, in advocating animal rights and the sponsorship of animal shelters. Against this background, this article examines the presence of animals and other non-human beings in Jaina mythology, more precisely the so-called Jaina Universal History. This Universal History in practice consists of the biographies (caritra or purāṇa) of sixty-three heroes (śalākā- or mahā-puruṣas), many of whom have parallels in broader South Asian epic, purāṇic or narrative traditions. This article introduces the various ways animals are dealt with in these Jaina purāṇic narratives, and will focus in particular on their symbolic value as representatives of human heroes.
Author: Eva De Clercq
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