Modern Jainism is the contemporary expression of Jain dharma as practiced by millions of laypersons and monastics around the world today. While it remains rooted in ancient Jain teachings, it has adapted to present-day life, cultures, and global diaspora.

Key features of modern Jainism:

• Core principles: ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-attachment), and anekantavada (many-sided view). These guides shape everyday ethics, social conduct, and spiritual practice.
• Two main traditions: Digambara and Śvetāmbara, with differences in monastic rules, rituals, and temple practices. Both share the aim of liberation (moksha) but have distinct interpretations and practices.
• Five vows for lay Jains: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy or chastity (in practice for many layhouseholders), and non-possessiveness. Monks and nuns follow stricter austerities and celibacy.
• Spiritual goal: kevalajnana (omniscient knowledge) leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Practice is aimed at purifying the mind, body, and speech to attain right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct.
• Daily and seasonal practices: regular prayer, meditation (samayik), confession (pratikraman), fasting on certain days, and participation in temple rites. Many Jains also engage in charitable acts and community service.
• Festivals and rituals: Mahavir Jayanti (birth of Mahavir), Paryushana and Kshamavani (a period of fasting, reflection, and forgiveness), and Diwali (commemoration of Mahavir’s attainment of nirvana in some traditions).
• Modern expressions: Jain communities worldwide establish temples, educational and cultural programs, environmental and vegetarian initiatives, interfaith dialogue, and youth outreach. Diaspora communities often blend traditional practices with local cultural contexts while preserving core Jain ethics.
• Gender and monastic life: Śvetāmbara tradition has long ordained women monks; in Digambara tradition, ordination for women has historically been more restricted and remains a point of ongoing discussion in modern times. Both traditions continue to evolve in their lay practices and temple life.
• Ethical living in the modern world: Jainism often emphasizes non-violence toward animals, sustainable living, careful consumption, and respect for all life, aligning with contemporary environmental and ethical concerns.

If you’d like, I can tailor a concise overview to a specific Jain community (Digambara or Śvetāmbara), or describe how modern Jain practices manifest in daily life, rituals, or community service.