Jainism

Jainism is a religion originating on the Indian subcontinent, recognized for its emphasis on ahimsa (non-violence, the abstention from killing or harming living beings). Its followers are called Jains. The religion does not posit a creator god ruling from the heavens; instead, it teaches that each person's soul can free itself from the cycle of birth and death called samsara through rigorous ascetic practice and mental discipline.

The most significant teachers are called Tirthankaras, meaning ford-makers. The fourth and twenty-fourth of these teachers was Mahavira, who lived in the time of the Buddha, in the centuries before the common era. His predecessor, Parshvanatha, is regarded by many historians as a historical figure. Jainism shares with Buddhism and Hinduism concepts concerning karma and rebirth, but in Jainism karma literally attaches to the soul.

Core Doctrines

The three pillars of conduct are ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-attachment to possessions). Ordinary people undertake these in a general way; monks and nuns observe them with strictness, taking binding vows. Also important are anekantavada, the doctrine that truth has many aspects, and syadvada, the principle that statements are qualified by conditions, preventing any single perspective from being applied to all situations.

Sects

Jainism split into two major branches: Digambara, whose monks reject all clothing as a symbol of complete detachment from possessions; and Shvetambara, whose monks wear white robes. The two sects differ in which texts they recognize as authoritative and on questions concerning the place of women in the path to liberation. There are also smaller sects that reject idol worship, such as the Sthanakavasi.

Practice and Society

Jains largely abstain from meat; some also avoid digging-rooted vegetables such as potatoes and onions, since digging can kill small organisms. They are notable for involvement in commerce, banking, and charitable institutions, particularly animal sanctuaries called panjrapoles. Pilgrimage sites such as Shatrunjaya and Shravanabelagola are major centers of devotion. An important festival is Paryushana, which culminates in a period of self-reflection and confession.