Jains Observe Paryushan Parva with Fasting and Meditation - World Religion News

August 27, 2016

THE JAIN FESTIVAL PARYUSHAN PARVA LASTS 8-10 DAYS. Aside from Diwali, one of the most important celebrations in the Jain religion is Paryushan Parva. In fact, the celebration is so vital that Jainism is tantamount and otherwise termed as Paryushan because the festival embodies the core principles and objectives of the religion. There are minor differences in observances among the various Jain communities and sects around the world but all focuses on spiritual upliftment, self purification, deeper understanding of religion and the pursuit of salvation.

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Three-Faced Stone Reveals the Last Jain Temple in Telangana - World Religion News

July 25, 2016

Inscriptions tell the story of how a temple for the 24th Jain Thirthankara, Sri Vardhamana Mahaveera, was constructed 850 years ago. Located in the Karimnagar district in the Indian state of Telangana was an ancient three-faced stone. The stone remained hidden in the village without anyone recognizing its historic value. Until recently, when an elder in the village named Chepyala Madhusudhan Rao brought it to the attention of Dr. Dyaavanapalli Satyanarayana, a historian. Dr. Satyanarayana deciphered the inscriptions on the stone, and found it related to the history of Telangana...

Aid to dying: What Jainism – one of India’s oldest religions – teaches us - WorldWide Religious News

June 14, 2016

On June 9, a law allowing patients with terminal illnesses to end their lives with help from a physician came into effect in California, opening conversations about whether human life should be prolonged against the desire to die peacefully and with dignity. A similar yet different conversation has been taking place in India for the past several years, but in reverse. In one of India’s religious traditions, Jainism, those at the end of life can choose to embrace a final fast transition from one body to another. However, a recent court case has challenged the constitutionality of...