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Jainism

About Jainism

Jainism (Jaina Dharma) is an ancient Indian spiritual tradition centered on liberation (moksha) through rigorous non-violence (ahimsa), self-discipline, and the purification of the soul (jiva) from karmic bondage. Jain practice emphasizes the Five Great Vows—non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness—lived with particular intensity by monks and nuns and practiced as vows/vratas by laypeople. Jain philosophy includes karma as subtle bondage shaped by passions, anekantavada (many-sidedness) as humility of perspective, and the Three Jewels—right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct—as the path to freedom. This guide introduces Jainism in a beginner-friendly and grounded way: its core ideals, sects, daily practices (samayika, pratikraman), ethical living, compassion in action, and how to begin simply without overwhelm.

Sacred Texts

Jain Agamas — Jain canonical scriptures on ahimsa, vows, karma, discipline, and liberation

Jain Agamas

Jain canonical scriptures on ahimsa, vows, karma, discipline, and liberation

Tattvartha Sutra — A concise Jain compendium of the tattvas, karma theory, and the Three Jewels toward moksha

Tattvartha Sutra

A concise Jain compendium of the tattvas, karma theory, and the Three Jewels toward moksha

Guides

Jainism — Jaina Dharma: ahimsa, vows, and disciplined living toward moksha

Jainism

Jaina Dharma: ahimsa, vows, and disciplined living toward moksha

Gurus

Mahavira — 24th Tirthankara—ahimsa, vows, equanimity, and liberation through disciplined living

Mahavira

24th Tirthankara—ahimsa, vows, equanimity, and liberation through disciplined living

Parshvanatha — 23rd Tirthankara—vow-centered discipline, ahimsa, and liberation through steady restraint

Parshvanatha

23rd Tirthankara—vow-centered discipline, ahimsa, and liberation through steady restraint