Englischverständnis für fortgeschrittene Anfänger – Buch 1 by Stephen Harrison Page B

for shaping the religion into its present form.
    Jains believe that the universe is not an illusion and that it really exists. Furthermore, they believe that nothing in the universe is ever destroyed or created. Instead, they believe that it simply changes from one form to another. Jains believe that the universe has always existed and that it will continue to exist forever. Just like modern scientists, Jains believe that the universe is regulated by cosmic laws. They also think it has its own energy processes, which renew it and help it to work properly.
    Jains do not believe that any sort of god created the universe. However, they venerate ‘liberated souls’. Liberated souls are souls who have escaped the cycle of rebirth and who are now free. Jains worship these souls as an example of perfection and something which they can try and follow in their own lives.
    Another belief of Jainism is karma. The idea of karma in Jainism is completely different to karma in the Hindu religion, Buddhism and in western society. Jains believe that karma is a kind of delicate material (like floating dust or particles, which stick to the soul). They believe that these particles are not intrinsically harmful. However, Jains believe that when they attach to a soul they affect the life of that person.
    Jains believe that human beings attract karma particles when we do, think or say things. Furthermore, we attract karma particles if we kill or hurt something, when we tell lies, steal etc.
    Presently, Jainism is a minority religion. It has about four million followers in India.  Despite their small numbers, Jains have shaped and contributed significantly to Indian society with their political ideas and good actions. Jains also have an ancient literary tradition. They are the religious community with the highest degree of literacy in India.
    Click on this link to see a documentary on Jainism.
     
    Glossary
    achieved - ‘to achieve’, to reach or attain a desired objective, level, or result, e.g. "he achieved his ambition to become a journalist" erreichen, erzielen
    sects - a sect is a group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs. Sekten
    compassion - sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others: "the victims should be treated with compassion" Mitgefühl, Mitleid
    cooperation – working together, from the verb ‘to cooperate’. Zusammenarbeit, zusammenarbeiten
    vows - a vow is a promise. Gelübde, Schwur
    restraint - the action of keeping someone or something under control. Zurückhaltung, Einschränkung
    celibacy - this word has two meanings. 1. Never having sex. 2. Being unmarried. Zölibat
    founder - the person who starts an organisation or company. Gründer
    regulated - ‘to regulate’, to control or supervise. regulieren
    venerate -‘to venerate’, to treat with great respect. verehren
    intrinsically - by its very nature, e.g. “tigers are intrinsically dangerous”. eigentlich
    significantly - in an important way. erheblich, bedeutend
    have in common – to share the same idea, belief, hobby, quality etc. gemein haben, gemeinsam haben
    according to - based on what is said or stated by. nach, gemäß, laut, zufolge
     
    Questions about the text
    1. What is the most important belief of Jains?
    2. Why do Jains not eat meat?
    3. What is one of the differences between the Digambara and Svetambara sects?
    4. Who changed Jainism into its current form?
    5. Which belief do Jains have in common with scientists?
    6. How have Jains changed Indian society?
    7. What are the five great vows of Jainsim?
    8. Who was the founder of Jainism?
    9. According to the text, was Mali male or female?
    10. True or false? – Most Jains cannot read.
    Click here to check your answers.

Vampires
     

    © Chrisharvey | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images
     
    Vampires have never been more popular. It seems that the public can’t get enough of blood sucking characters at the cinema, in books or on television. The