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Significance of Six classes of beings

In Jainism, the concept of Six classes of beings encompasses various forms of life that experience suffering similar to humans. This classification includes earth-lives, water-lives, fire-lives, wind-lives, as well as plants like grass, trees, and corn. These categories highlight the interconnectedness of existence and are crucial for understanding the implications of sin and the nature of suffering and ignorance that pervades all living beings.

In Finnish: Kuusi olentoluokkaa; In Spanish: Seis clases de seres

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Jain concept of 'Six classes of beings'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the Six classes of beings encompass various life forms—earth-lives, water-lives, fire-lives, wind-lives, plants, and corn—highlighting their shared suffering and existence, crucial for comprehending sin and its impacts.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) Categories of life that the Venerable One states are subject to the pain of existence just like humans.[1] (2) The different categorizations of life, including earth-lives, water-lives, fire-lives, wind-lives, grass, trees, and corn.[2] (3) Categories of existence including earth-lives and movable beings mentioned in the discourse as central to understanding sin and its implications.[3]

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) Categories of existence that include various forms of life which are subjected to suffering and ignorance.[4]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.