Posted by
I want to convert to jainism
In Jain Dharma, “conversion” is not a formal ritual like baptism; it is mainly about inner decision and gradual practice of Jain principles in daily life.
Here is a simple, practical path to begin:
---
1. Understand what you are accepting
Basic foundations of Jainism:
- Ahimsa (Non‑violence) – not hurting any living being by:
- body (physical harm), - speech (harsh words), - mind (hatred, anger).
- Anekāntvāda (Many‑sided truth) – accepting that others may see truth differently; avoiding fanaticism and hatred.
- Aparigraha (Non‑possessiveness) – living simply, reducing greed and attachment.
- Karma & Soul – every soul is eternal, pure in nature; karmas bind due to passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed); goal is to purify the soul and attain liberation (moksha).
To really “become Jain” means: I want to live by these principles as honestly as I can.
You can read an easy overview of Jain Dharma here: “You can read more here ”
---
2. Start as a Jain śrāvaka/śrāvikā (lay follower)
For almost everyone, the first and main step is to live as a lay Jain, not a monk.
Start with these small daily practices
- Practice basic Ahimsa in food
- Vegetarian (no meat, fish, eggs). - Try to avoid honey and root vegetables (potato, onion, garlic, etc.) when you are ready. - Avoid eating at night (or at least reduce it).
- Daily prayer / remembrance
- Learn and recite Navkār Mantra every day with respect. - Spend a few minutes in silence, thinking: - “I am soul (ātma), separate from body and mind.” - “May I not harm any living being.”
- Truth and self‑control
- Avoid lying, cheating and harsh speech. - Slowly reduce addictions (alcohol, tobacco, etc.) if any.
- Charity and compassion
- Help the poor, support animal care, donate within your capacity. - Do it with humility, not ego.
---
3. Gradually adopt the Anuvratas (small vows for laypeople)
Inspired by the monks’ great vows (Mahāvrata), lay Jains take smaller versions:
- Ahimsa Anuvrat – do your best not to harm living beings.
- Satya Anuvrat – speak truth; no cheating or falsehood.
- Achaurya Anuvrat – do not steal or take anything not given.
- Brahmacharya Anuvrat – sexual discipline and faithfulness in relationships.
- Aparigraha Anuvrat – limit possessions and greed.
You don’t need a big public ritual. You can:
- decide in your heart,
- write them down,
- if possible, express to a Jain monk, nun, or senior layperson that you wish to live by these.
You can read more about the vows here: “You can read more here ”
---
4. Connect with Jain community (if possible)
- Visit a nearby Jain temple (derasar/mandir).
- Attend Puja, Pravachan (discourses), Paryushan, Samvatsari etc.
- Tell local Jains, “I wish to follow Jain Dharma, please guide me.” Most will be happy to help.
If there is no temple near you:
- Read Jain books,
- Listen to online pravachans,
- Follow Jain practices at home as sincerely as you can.
---
5. About “official” conversion
- Jainism does not have a compulsory central ceremony to make you “officially Jain”.
- If you sincerely accept Jain principles and start practising them, you are already walking the Jain path.
- Some people choose to:
This is optional but can give you inner strength.
---
6. If one day you feel like becoming a monk
- That is a very big step, called Dīkshā.
- It requires:
- First live as a strong lay Jain for some years. Only then think of this.
---
7. Inner attitude
Most important is not label, but inner change:
- Be humble: no hatred for your previous religion or others.
- Increase compassion, forgiveness, and self‑discipline day by day.
- Remember: Jain Dharma teaches “Judge yourself, not others.”
---
If you wish, your next step can be:
- start reciting Navkār Mantra daily,
- make one firm change (for example: fully vegetarian from today, or “no lying from today”),
- and slowly add more practices as you feel ready.
