The Jain Temple at Ranakpur

On our drive to Udaipur, along the "highway" (yep...still a goat track at some points), we stopped at the Jain temple in Ranakpur.

Jainism is an offshoot of Hinduism. They believe that the path to contentment and mental peace is thorough a culture of nonviolence which originates from a rational mind and a pure heart.

I found this prayer that details the belief system:

May we follow in the footsteps of JINs, the victors, those who have conquered their passions of anger, pride, intrigue and greed.

May we follow the ideal of VEETARAAG,of being free from attachment (RAAG) and aversion (DWESH).

May we minimize our passions, and practice the virtues of nonviolence, truth, non-stealing, purity of body and mind,and non-possessiveness; and promote fairness and equity among all.

May we eliminate delusion, misconceptions and blind faith, adopt a rational outlook by accepting ideas and concepts based on our study, observation, experience and common sense.

May we understand the universal truth that everything happens according to the laws of nature; in the affairs of the universe, there is no hand of the supreme being or supernatural phenomena; our lives are shaped by our own thoughts and actions, and by the animate and inanimate environment around us.

Further, the function of all living beings is to assist each other; we all depend on each other and on our environment for our survival.

Therefore, may we minimize violence of various kinds, and fulfill our duties toward each other and toward nature.

May we restrain our desires and limit our needs, and protect the environment by avoiding the waste of natural resources.

We believe in multiplicity of viewpoints.

So may we look at things from others' viewpoints as well and be tolerant of other religions, ideologies and customs.

We believe that no overall good of mankind can result from violence.

Nonviolence, selfless purpose and contentment lead to happiness.

May we inculcate these virtues in our lives.

Here's a nice photo of the Jain Temple without the crowds