Jainism

Jainism, or Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion centered on achieving spiritual purity and enlightenment through strict nonviolence (ahimsa) toward all living beings. The tradition follows 24 tirthankaras—teachers who have broken free from the cycle of rebirth and gained omniscience. Its philosophy is built on three ethical foundations: ahiṃsā (nonviolence), anekāntavāda (the idea that reality has many sides and no single view is complete), and aparigraha (non-attachment to possessions). These principles historically led the Jain community to become known for high literacy, a strong role in trade and banking, and a vibrant intellectual life.

The doctrine of anekāntavāda holds that truth is complex and multifaceted, rejecting one-sided perspectives. This encourages intellectual humility and peaceful conflict resolution. The vow of aparigraha demands that monks give up all property, while lay followers limit their possessions and desires. Because of nonviolence, Jains traditionally avoided farming and warfare, instead turning to commerce and banking, which supported networks of temples, libraries, and charities.

Jains see their faith as eternal, with tirthankaras guiding each cosmic cycle. In the current cycle, the first tirthankara was Rishabhanatha, credited with founding civilized society. The 23rd, Pārśvanātha, lived around the 8th or 7th century BCE and is the earliest historical figure. The 24th, Mahavira, lived in the 6th or 5th century BCE, was a contemporary of the Buddha, and was a key figure in the Śramaṇa movement that rejected Vedic authority and established the current ascetic order.

Jainism has between four and five million followers, mostly in India, with diaspora communities in North America, Europe, and East Asia. The community splits into two major traditions: Digambaras (“sky-clad”) and Śvētāmbaras (“white-clad”), which differ on ascetic practices, gender roles, and scriptures but share core philosophy. Jains have contributed to logic, art, architecture, law, and ethics in Indian culture. Major festivals include Paryushana (or Das Lakshana), Akshaya Tritiya, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, and Diwali.

The name Jainism comes from the Sanskrit word *ji*, meaning “to conquer”—referring to overcoming passions and desires to reach omniscience. Those who succeed are called *jina* (“conqueror”), and followers are called *jain* or *jaina* (“follower of the conquerors”), a term that replaced the older *nirgrantha* (“bondless”), used only for ascetic wanderers.

For ascetics, the goal is moksha (liberation), while most lay Jains aim to accumulate good karma for a better rebirth. Liberation is achieved through the three jewels: samyak darśana (right faith in Jain teachings), samyak gyana (right knowledge of self and non-self), and samyak charitra (right conduct following the five vows). Some texts add a fourth jewel, samyak tapas (correct asceticism), and together these four are called the Moksha Marga (path of liberation). The core is also summed up in the three tenets of ahiṃsā, aparigraha, and anekāntavāda.

Jainism teaches five ethical vows. For laypeople these are anuvratas (small vows); for mendicants, mahavratas (great vows). Before taking the vows, a Jain must have access to a guru, a Jina, and doctrine, and be free from five faults: doubt about the faith, indecision about its truths, insincerity, failure to recognize fellow Jains, and lack of admiration for their spiritual efforts. The five vows are: ahiṃsā (intentional nonviolence in action, speech, and thought); satya (always speaking truth, never lying or encouraging lies); asteya (not taking anything not freely given, with mendicants needing permission); brahmacharya (celibacy for monks and nuns, chastity for laypeople); and aparigraha (non-attachment to material and psychological possessions, with monks and nuns renouncing all property).