Chapter 09 – Jain Symbols

Main Symbol

This Jain Symbol is an arrangement of various symbols, each having a significant meaning. This symbol was adopted by all sects of Jainism while commemorating the 2500th anniversary of the nirvana of Lord Mahävir.

The outline of the symbol represents the shape of the universe (Loka).   The lower part of the symbol represents the seven hells (Näraki).  The middle part of the universe contains the Earth and the planets (Manushya-Loka).   The upper part contains the heavenly abodes (Deva-Loka) of all the celestial beings and the abode of the Siddhas (Siddhashilä). Jains believe that this universe was neither created by anyone, nor can it be destroyed by anyone.   It is Static and will remain at the same location in the vast empty space of the entire existence.

The  raised  hand  means  stop.    The  word  in  the center of the wheel is “Ahinsä”.  Ahinsä means non- violence.   Together they  remind  us  to  stop  for  a minute and think twice before doing anything.   This gives us a chance to scrutinize our activities to be sure that they will not hurt anyone by our thoughts, words or actions.   We should also not to ask or encourage others to take part in any harmful activity. The wheel inside the hand indicates that if we are not careful and carry on violent activities, then just as the wheel goes round and round, we will go round and round through the cycles of birth and death.

The four arms of the Swastika remind us that during the cycles of birth and death we may be  born  into  any  one  of  the  four  realms:  heavenly  beings,  human  beings,  animal  beings, (including birds, bugs, and plants) and hellish beings.   Our aim should be liberation and not rebirth.   To show how we can do this, the swastika also reminds us that we should become pillars of the four folds Jain Sangha.   Only then can we achieve liberation.   The four pillars of the Jain Sangha are Sädhus, Sädhvis, Shrävaks, and Shrävikäs.   This means that first we should strive to be a true Shrävaks or Shrävikäs, and when we overcome our social attachments, we should renounce worldly life and follow the path of a Sädhu or Sädhvi to be liberated.   The  four  arms  are  also  representative  of  Däna  (charity),  Sheel  (virtue),  Tapa (austerities), and Bhäv (noble thoughts)

The three dots above the swastika represent the three jewels of Jainism: Samyag Darshan (Right Faith), Samyag Jnän (Right Knowledge), and Samyag Chäritra (Right Conduct).   We should  have  all  three:  with  right  faith,  right  knowledge,  and  right  conduct  together  we  can achieve liberation.     Right knowledge means having the knowledge that soul and body are separate and that the soul, not the body attains salvation.    Right faith means one must have faith in the true knowledge of soul and matter and its relationship as defined in Jain Karma Philosophy.    Right conduct means that our actions should be devoid of attachment and hatred.

At the very top part of the Jain symbol is a small crescent.   It is known as the Siddhashilä. This crescent represents the abode of the Siddhas.   It is the final resting place of liberated souls.   The dot represents a Siddha.   In order to achieve this stage, a soul must destroy all attached karmas.   Every living being should strive for this state of Salvation or Liberation.

Symbol Adopted by JAINA:

Federation  of  Jain  Associations  in  North  America  (JAINA)  has  adopted  this  symbol.    The Swastika from main symbol has been replaced by the Om (Aum) symbol.   In western world, Swastika is not viewed as a pious symbol. Let us see what Om represents:

The Sanskrit word Om (Aum) is made up of five sounds and letters; a, a, aa, u, and m:

• The first letter “a” represents Arihanta (human being who has realized the true nature of reality and has conquered passions)
• The second “a” represents A-shariri (A-shariri means a soul without physical body, liberated soul or Siddha or perfected being)
• The third letters “aa” represents Acharya (Ascetic who is head of the congregation) 
• The fourth letter “u” represents Upadhyay (Ascetic teacher)
• The fifth letter “m” represents Muni (Sadhu or Sadhvis who practice Jain principles). 

Hence, the Om represents a salutation to the five revered personalities in the Jain religion. Om is a short form of the Namokär Mantra.

The  text  underneath  the  symbol,  “Parasparopagraho  Jivänäm”  translates  as  “Living  beings (souls) render services to one another”.