Vitalism (Jainism)
Encyclopedia
Vitalism, also known as dynamism is the philosophy expounded by Mahavira
, a prominent teacher of Jainism
. It combined the earlier Jain teacher Pārśvanātha's asceticism and the naturalistic teachings of the Ājīvika
s.
Because life is to be considered sacred and in every living thing, Jains avoid killing any living creature, even down to nits in the hair. Therefore most Jains
' hair will taper off at the end not having ever been trimmed. They are not only vegetarian, but decline to eat vegetables that grow under the ground, for fear of injuring a living thing when disturbing the ground during harverst. Often monks will wear masks over the mouth to avoid inhaling anything living, and sweep the ground in front of them as they walk so as not to step on an unseen creature.
Mahavira
Mahāvīra is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamāna who established what are today considered to be the central tenets of Jainism. According to Jain tradition, he was the 24th and the last Tirthankara. In Tamil, he is referred to as Arukaṉ or Arukadevan...
, a prominent teacher of Jainism
Jainism
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...
. It combined the earlier Jain teacher Pārśvanātha's asceticism and the naturalistic teachings of the Ājīvika
Ajivika
Ājīvika was an ancient philosophical and ascetic movement of the Mahajanapada period of the Indian subcontinent....
s.
Because life is to be considered sacred and in every living thing, Jains avoid killing any living creature, even down to nits in the hair. Therefore most Jains
Jainism
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...
' hair will taper off at the end not having ever been trimmed. They are not only vegetarian, but decline to eat vegetables that grow under the ground, for fear of injuring a living thing when disturbing the ground during harverst. Often monks will wear masks over the mouth to avoid inhaling anything living, and sweep the ground in front of them as they walk so as not to step on an unseen creature.