Here is a very simple introduction to the basic concepts of Jainism:

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1. Who is a Jain?

A Jain is a follower of the teachings of the Jinas (victors). “Jina” means one who has conquered:

• inner enemies like anger, pride, deceit, greed
• attachment and aversion

The highest Jinas are called Tirthankaras (Ford-makers). In our current time-cycle there are 24 Tirthankaras, the last being Bhagwan Mahavir.

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2. Main goal in Jainism

The main goal is: Liberation (Moksha) – freedom of the soul from all karmas, birth and death, and all suffering.

A liberated soul is:

• infinite in knowledge
• infinite in perception
• infinite in bliss
• infinite in power

Jain practice is the path to clean the soul from karma and reach this state.

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3. What is the soul (Jiva)?

According to Jainism:

• Every living being has a soul (jiva): humans, animals, insects, plants, even microorganisms.
• All souls are, in their pure nature, perfect and equal.
• Difference between beings (human, animal, etc.) is due to karmas, not because one soul is created higher and another lower.

So Jainism gives equal spiritual respect to all living beings.

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4. What is non-living (Ajiva)?

Anything without soul is ajiva (non-living), like:

• matter (pudgala)
• space
• time
• motion and rest media

Very important: karmas are a special kind of subtle matter that stick to the soul when we have passions like anger, ego, greed, etc.

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5. Karma in Jainism

In Jainism, karma is not only a moral record, it is also very fine material particles that:

• attach to the soul when we think, speak, or act with passion and violence
• cover the soul and block its natural qualities (like clouds covering the sun)

By:

• stopping new karmas (samvar) and
• destroying old karmas (nirjara),

the soul becomes pure and eventually attains moksha.

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6. Is there a creator God in Jainism?

Jainism does not believe in a creator God who makes or controls the universe.

Instead:

• The universe is beginningless and endless.
• It runs by its own natural laws.
• There are perfect souls (Siddhas) who are worthy of worship, but they do not create or control the world; they remain in a state of pure bliss and knowledge.

We worship them as ideals of perfection, not as controllers.

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7. Three Jewels (Ratnatraya) – the path

The path to liberation has three main parts:

1. Right Faith (Samyak Darshan) – correct belief in truth, Tirthankaras, and the nature of soul and karma.
2. Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan) – correct understanding of reality without doubt or wrong beliefs.
3. Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) – living according to non-violence, truth, self-control, etc.

All three are needed together.

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8. The main principles for daily life

Jainism is most famous for Ahimsa (Non‑violence), but there are other key principles too.

1) Ahimsa – Non‑violence

• Do not hurt any living being in thought, word, or action.
• Try to reduce harm even to the smallest forms of life.
• This is why many Jains are strict vegetarians, and advanced monks go even further in care and restraint.

2) Satya – Truth

• Speak what is true,
• but also speak it kindly and usefully, without hurting others unnecessarily.

3) Achaurya / Asteya – Non‑stealing

• Do not take what is not given.
• Be honest and fair in all dealings.

4) Brahmacharya – Chastity / Control of desires

• For monks: complete celibacy.
• For householders: sexual restraint and faithfulness.

5) Aparigraha – Non‑possessiveness

• Limit desires and possessions.
• Do not cling to things, people, or status.
• Simplicity of life and contentment of mind.

Householders take these as limited vows (Anuvratas), monks as great vows (Mahavratas).

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9. Anekantavada – Many‑sidedness of truth

Another important idea in Jainism is Anekantavada:

• Reality is very complex.
• Our limited view sees only a part of it.
• Therefore, different viewpoints may each express a part of the truth.

This teaches:

• humility in our own opinions
• respect for others’ views
• avoidance of fanaticism and one‑sidedness

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10. Way of life in simple words

To live as a Jain (even basically) means to try to:

• reduce violence in food, work, and daily habits
• be honest and truthful
• control anger, pride, deceit, and greed
• keep life simple (less attachment, less show‑off)
• do daily prayer, reflection, and repentance (pratikraman)
• respect all forms of life and all souls

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If you like, next I can explain any one topic in detail, for example:

• Ahimsa and vegetarianism
• Karma theory (how exactly it binds and gives results)
• The 24 Tirthankaras, especially Mahavir Swami
• The difference between monk and householder path

Tell me which area you want to go deeper into.