Jainism is based on the principle of Ahimsa (Non — Violence) and Parasparopagraho Jivanam (all life is interdependent). Jain symbols and flags are a representation of those thoughts and principles.
The main symbols in Jainism are the Jain Flag and Jain Emblem depicting “Parasparopagraho Jivanam”.
The Jain Flag:
The Jain Flag consists of five stripes and a Swastik in the middle. The stripes represent the panch parameshtis (Five levels of spiritual beings)
Arihants: Enlightened beings
Siddh: Liberated souls
Acharya: Spiritual leaders
Upadhyay: Spiritual teachers
Sadhus and Sadhvis: Spiritual practitioners
There is Swastika in the middle which has four arms and symbolizes four states of existence per Jainism: Heavenly being, Human being, hell beings and Tiryancha ( Flora and Fauna) It also represents the four columns of the Jain Sangha: sadhus, sadhvis, sravakas and shravikas — and the four characteristics of the soul: infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite happiness, and infinite energy.
The Three dots above Swastika symbolize the concept of a straight path constituted by correct faith, understanding, and conduct.
Following this path comes the perfect state of liberation which leads to enlightenment. This state of liberation is symbolized by the crescent and the dot on the top of Swastika.
Jain Emblem:
The Jain emblem is the symbol of Ahimsa and depicts the principle of the mutual interdependence of all living beings.
Every part of the symbol has a meaning:
The outline represents the universe as described in Agamas. The Universe consists of three realms (Loks) — heaven, the material world, and hell.
The Semi-Circle Topmost portion represents the zone beyond these three realms which are called the “Siddhshila”. The liberated souls (who have attained enlightenment and are beyond the cycle of birth and death) called Siddhs live there.
The three dots represent Ratnatraya — the three gems of Jainism, which are the right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. It is important to practice Ratnatraya in order to get free from the cycle of birth and death
The Swastika is an important Jain symbol and represents the four State of existence and 4 characteristics of the soul as explained above.
The hand is the symbol of non-violence. It symbolizes fearlessness and compassion towards all living beings.
The wheel in the middle of the hand represents the world and the cycle of incarnation. The 24 spokes represent the preaching of 24 Tirthankaras.
Finally, Parasparopagraho Jivanam represents humanity, mutual support, and interdependence.
Om
Om in Jainism
In Jainism, Om is considered a condensed form of reference to the Pañca-Parameṣṭhi, by their initials A+A+A+U+M (o3m). The Dravyasamgraha quotes a Prakrit line:[4]