jainism
Jainism is a religion that deeply embraces a philosophy of asceticism. Jainism supports extreme means of asceticism such as fasting and yoga practices, but also supports asceticism on a moderate level. One of the five great vows that monks and nuns take is Aparigraha, which is a vow of non-attachment. This is a virtue in both Jainism and Hinduism, and supports having what is necessary but living without greed and connection to unnecessary material possessions. Jains follow their ascetic vows very seriously, often traveling from city to city barefoot. They do not often stay in a single place for a long time, in order to avoid making a connection with that location. They are possession-less and care only about making the spiritual connections that are necessary for them to live their desired lives. They are not greedy in any sense. Jainism not only embraces asceticism, but does so by putting it on a pedestal and making it one of the most important concepts in the entire religion.
Jainism takes the concept of asceticism to the extreme, and the modern American Dream strongly coincides with the idea of asceticism. Jainism includes vows of asceticism and non-attachment, and to be able to live an ascetic lifestyle and to be able to detach oneself from material possessions so to be able to live a life with purpose is a major aspect of the modern American experience. Jains are possession-less. The dream advocates for not having excess possessions, but to just have enough to maintain the basic needs of life and to live comfortably. Jains care about making spiritual connections, which correlates directly to the desired modern lifestyle. The American Dream includes an important aspect that one should focus on forming strong relationships with others, as creating these relationships and living life among others is more important than maintaining control of material possessions. Jainism is extreme in its teachings, yet still shares the same basic desires of a preferred modern way of living.
Though largely separate in terms of their beliefs, core similarities can be found between Jainism and Christianity.
Jainism takes the concept of asceticism to the extreme, and the modern American Dream strongly coincides with the idea of asceticism. Jainism includes vows of asceticism and non-attachment, and to be able to live an ascetic lifestyle and to be able to detach oneself from material possessions so to be able to live a life with purpose is a major aspect of the modern American experience. Jains are possession-less. The dream advocates for not having excess possessions, but to just have enough to maintain the basic needs of life and to live comfortably. Jains care about making spiritual connections, which correlates directly to the desired modern lifestyle. The American Dream includes an important aspect that one should focus on forming strong relationships with others, as creating these relationships and living life among others is more important than maintaining control of material possessions. Jainism is extreme in its teachings, yet still shares the same basic desires of a preferred modern way of living.
Though largely separate in terms of their beliefs, core similarities can be found between Jainism and Christianity.