Jainism
Indian religion centered on nonviolence and spiritual liberation.
Jainism, also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion that teaches a path toward spiritual purity and enlightenment through disciplined nonviolence (ahimsa) to all living creatures. The tradition is spiritually guided by 24 tirthankaras (ford-makers), supreme teachers who have conquered the cycle of rebirth and attained omniscience. Its core philosophy rests on three ethical pillars: ahiṃsā (nonviolence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (non-possession). Historically, these principles fostered a community renowned for high literacy, a trusted role in commerce, and a distinct intellectual culture.
- Followers
- 4–5 million
- Major Sub-traditions
- Digambaras and Śvētāmbaras
- Core Vows
- Five vows: ahiṃsā, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha
- Ultimate Goal
- Moksha (liberation from karma)
- Key Figures
- 24 tirthankaras, including Mahavira (6th or 5th century BCE) and Pārśvanātha (c. 8th or 7th century BCE)
Lore & Background
Jainism views itself as eternal, with tirthankaras guiding every cosmic time cycle. In the current cycle, the first tirthankara was Rishabhanatha, credited with establishing civilized society. The 23rd tirthankara, Pārśvanātha, is dated by historians to the c. 8th or 7th century BCE, making him likely the tradition's earliest historical figure. The 24th and final tirthankara, Mahavira (c. 6th or 5th century BCE), was a contemporary of the Buddha and a central figure in the Śramaṇa movement of Greater Magadha, which rejected Vedic authority and established the current ascetic order.
Reader's Guide
Jainism's significance lies in its rigorous ethical framework, particularly the principle of ahimsa (nonviolence), which extends to all living beings and shapes both personal conduct and community livelihood. Historically, this led Jains to avoid agriculture and warfare, instead engaging in trade and banking, becoming a mercantile presence in ancient and medieval India. The doctrine of anekāntavāda (many-sided reality) encourages intellectual humility and conflict resolution, contrasting with one-sided views. The tradition's five vows—ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, and aparigraha—guide both laypersons and mendicants, with monks and nuns renouncing all property. Jains have contributed to logic, art, architecture, law, and ethics in Indian culture, and support networks of temples, libraries, and charitable institutions. Major festivals include Paryushana, Akshaya Tritiya, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, and Diwali.
Did You Know?
- The name Jainism comes from ji (Sanskrit), 'to conquer,' referring to the battle against passions and bodily desires.
- The tradition's 24 tirthankaras are supreme teachers who have conquered the cycle of rebirth and attained omniscience (kevala jnana).
- Jainism teaches five ethical duties called anuvratas (small vows) for laypersons and mahavratas (great vows) for mendicants.
- The Sallekhana vow is a 'religious death' ritual involving voluntary reduction of food and liquid intake at the end of life.
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