J
Jainism
The Jain religion was founded in North India by a revered ascetic named Vardhamana,
who became known as Mahavir, “great hero.” The Jains base their entire system
of values and ethics on ahimsa, a doctrine often translated as the non-harming
of all living things. Like hinduism, Jainism maintains a belief in karma. Like
Buddhism, Jainism began as a reform movement of the Brahmanic religious beliefs
of the 6th century B.C.E. but never spread beyond India. The two
main sects are Digambara and Svetambara.
Jambupati
A mythical Indian emperor who was too vain to listen to the Buddha’s teachings.
The Buddha changed himself into a great and magnificent emperor and invited
Jambupati to visit him. The experience changed Jambupati and made him receptive
to the Buddha’s teachings. This story is a Southeast Asian addition to the legend
of the Buddha and does not appear in the Buddhist literature of India or Sri
Lanka.