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Jain |
An Indian religious tradition ,
roughly contemporary with Buddhism, the core concept focuses
on the effort to free the soul from its entrapment in matter.
The Jains are strict vegetarians; connected with this is the
practice of ahimsa (see above), which is one of their cardinal
doctrines. |
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Jalaram Bapa (1799-1881) |
A Gujerati merchant, an exemplary holy man
much revered by many Hindus, who is held to have been visited
by Lord Rama. |
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Janamashtami |
A Hindu festival celebrating the birthday of
Lord Krishna. |
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Janam sakhi |
Literally 'birth narrative'; in Sikhism, stories
of the life of Guru Nanak. |
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jati |
The vocationally based groups in Indian society
often referred to as 'castes': Hindus were traditionally expected
to marry within their jati. 'Varna' is the term used of the
four main groupings of castes; jati is applied to sub-castes
confined to special professions, such as metalworker, potter,
tailor, etc... |
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Jataka Tales |
Stories of the previous lives of the Buddha. |
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Jathedar |
In Sikhism, the appointed leader of one of
the five takhts (Gurdwaras designated as centres of authority). |
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Jehovah's Witness |
Millenarian movement founded by Charles Russell.
Witnesses interpret the Bible literally, live plainly and
actively propagate their faith, publishing the Watchtower
magazine. |
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Jesus |
Itinerant Jewish teacher and healer of the
first century CE. Believed by his followers to be the Messiah,
or Christ ('Anointed One'). In Christian theology he is seen
as Second Person of the Trinity, God the Son; to Muslims,
known as Isa, he is a major prophet of Islam. |
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Jewish Chronicle |
A British Jewish newspaper, the oldest Jewish
newspaper in the world still publishing. |
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jihad |
The word primarily refers to the requirement
for an individual Muslim to constantly strive for spiritual
and moral betterment. The word can be used of the so-called
'holy war' to extend the domain of Islam or to defend Muslim
rights in a non-Muslim state. |
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Jonathan |
Biblical figure, son of Saul and friend to
David. |
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Judaism |
A monotheistic religion the adherents of which,
Jews, believe to have began when God instituted the covenant
of circumcision with Abraham from whom they understand themselves
to be decended. The holy book is known as the Tenakh although
a collection of writings called the Talmud is also very important. |
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Jum'ah prayers |
('day of assembly') In Islam the mid-day prayers
on Friday when men are required to attend the mosque and where
a sermon follows the prayers. |
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