Jainism is a distinct dharma of its own. It is not a sub-branch of Hinduism, even though it arose in the same broad Indian spiritual milieu and shares some cultural practices.

Key points:

• Jainism is independent: It has its own teachings, scriptures, and path toward liberation (moksha) through right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. The goal is kevali/siddha, not a Hindu concept of a single overarching deity.
• Core differences: Jains do not accept a creator God or Vedic authority as the source of truth. They follow the teachings of the Tirthankaras (24 in this cycle) and emphasize ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-attachment), and ascetic discipline.
• What about Hindu sects? Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shakta, etc., are Hindu traditions with reverence for different gods and Vedic elements. Budhism and Sikhism are separate traditions with their own founders and doctrines.
• Shared culture vs. identity: There is a shared Indian cultural and philosophical context (concepts like karma, rebirth, dharma) among Jains, Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. However, this does not make Jainism a form of Hinduism; Jainism remains a distinct tradition with its own identity and practices.
• Digambar vs. Shvetambar: Both are Jain traditions with minor differences in texts, practices, and monastic rules, but both affirm Jain Dharma as separate from Hindu sampradāyas.

If you’d like, I can share a concise Jain perspective on how Jain philosophy views moksha, karma, and the role of Tirthankaras in daily practice.