Jainism
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An ancient Indian faith of non-violence and self-discipline, taught by the 24 Tirthankaras, the last of whom was Vardhamana Mahavira.
| Followers (Census 2011) | 44,51,753 (0.37%) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Arose in India; Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, taught in the Ganga plain around the 6th–5th century BCE (scholarly estimate). Jains revere Rishabhanatha as the first Tirthankara |
Sacred texts
- Jain Agamas
- Tattvartha Sutra
- Kalpa Sutra
- Shatkhandagama (Digambara)
Main festivals
- Mahavir Jayanti
- Paryushana and Das Lakshana Parva
- Samvatsari (day of forgiveness)
- Deepavali (Mahavira's nirvana)
- Mahamastakabhisheka at Shravanabelagola
Underlined names open their own page.
Key beliefs and practices
- Ahimsa: non-violence towards all living beings, in thought, word and deed.
- The three jewels: right faith, right knowledge and right conduct lead to liberation.
- Five vows: non-violence, truthfulness, not stealing, chastity and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).
- Anekantavada: truth has many sides, so one should respect other viewpoints.
- Every soul (jiva) can reach liberation (moksha) by shedding karma through its own effort.
- Two main traditions: Digambara and Svetambara.