REL-253 Jainism: Karma and Liberation

An introduction to the doctrines, rituals, and
ethics of Jain religious practice. Attention given
to historical and cultural context of community.
We link classical forms to contemporary
expressions. Topics include: the role of ascetic
practice, the relation between lay and monastics,
the significance of karma, rebirth and spiritual
liberation, and the centrality of Ahimsa
(non-violence) to Jain practice. In the course, we
also look at adaptations of Jain practice in the
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