Jain Chaplaincy Resources
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About the Jain religion
There are 8,275 Jains in Canada, representing 0.02% of the population. Adherents of Jainism first settled in Canada in small numbers in the late 19th century. The number of Jains in Canada later increased, leading to the establishment of Jain temples in Canada.
Jainism, also known as Jain Dharma, is a religion from India which teaches a path toward spiritual purification. For Jain ascetics, the goal is to reach moksha (liberation). Most Jain adherents seek to accumulate good karma that leads to better rebirth and a step closer to liberation.
Jain organizations
Jain Society of Toronto - a non-profit religious organization practicing, promoting and preserving the Jain religion in Scarborough, Toronto.
Jain Center of British Columbia - a non profit organization promoting non-violence, peaceful co-existence, vegetarianism, and interfaith dialogue.
Jain Community Services of Canada - provides voluntary services to Canadian Jains and newcomers since 1985.
Parasnath Jain Society - Jain Temple in Ontario, Canada - celebrating Jain traditions and values in a peaceful environment.
Jain Temple Canada - Bhagwan 1008 Adinath Swamy Jain temple (Brampton Jain Temple)
IMJM Canada Jain Education - Education for students of non-violence.
Attitudes to death and dying
They believe in reincarnation and transmigration. After death, the body is cremated at the earliest opportunity.
Jains may value the presence of a spiritual caregiver when dying
Monks and nuns may come to see the dying person, they may sing hymns, they will encourage the dying person to have noble thoughts and be asked to think about forgiveness.
Scriptures are read for comfort and consolation. Prayers and devotional songs are chanted.
The decision to take Sallekhanā may be made which includes stopping eating and drinking if the person feels their life has served its purpose.
After the death, the family members are involved in the process of preparing the body by washing and dressing the body. A lit lamp burning with clarified butter may be kept in the room with the body. Prayers are continuously chanted.
After the death, the family members are involved in the process of preparing the body by washing and dressing the body.
