MAIN TEACHINGS OF JAINISM

Here are the main teachings of Jainism in simple form:

1. Ahimsa (Non‑violence)

- Do not hurt any living being in thought, word, or action. - Includes humans, animals, insects, and even very small life‑forms. - Positive ahimsa also means kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

1. Aparigraha (Non‑possessiveness)

- Do not be attached to wealth, objects, people, or even your own opinions. - Use what you need, but avoid greed and unnecessary accumulation. - Simplicity and contentment are strongly encouraged.

1. Anekantavada (Many‑sidedness of truth)

- Reality is very complex; no single person sees the whole truth. - Respect different viewpoints; avoid dogmatism and intolerance. - This leads to humility in thinking and speech.

1. Three Jewels (Ratnatraya)

These are the core path to liberation (moksha): - Samyak Darshan – Right Faith: correct understanding and reverence for truth and for the Tirthankaras. - Samyak Jnan – Right Knowledge: knowing reality as taught in Jain scriptures (soul, karma, bondage, liberation, etc.). - Samyak Charitra – Right Conduct: living according to vows, self‑control, and purity of character.

1. Law of Karma

- Every action (thought, word, deed) attracts subtle karmic particles to the soul. - Bad actions bring karmas that cause suffering; good actions bring karmas that give happiness. - The final goal is to stop new karma from coming (samvar) and remove old karma (nirjara) through right conduct and austerities.

1. Equality of All Souls

- Every living being has a pure soul with the potential to become a Siddha (liberated soul). - No one is eternally high or low by birth; differences come from karma, not from the true nature of the soul.

1. Non‑theistic Spirituality

- Jains honour Tirthankaras and Siddhas as perfect, liberated souls, not as creators of the universe. - The universe runs by eternal natural laws (like karma) and has no beginning or end.

1. Vows (Vratas)

- For monks and nuns: Five Mahavratas (great vows) 1. Absolute non‑violence 2. Absolute truthfulness 3. Non‑stealing 4. Complete celibacy 5. Total non‑possessiveness - For laypeople: The same vows in smaller form (Anuvratas), along with extra vows for controlling consumption, travel, and daily behaviour.

1. Self‑discipline and Austerities (Tapas)

- Fasting, limiting food, meditation, and control of senses help in burning karmas. - The aim is inner purity, not show‑off.

1. Goal of Life: Liberation (Moksha)

- The highest aim is to free the soul from all karmas. - A liberated soul is full of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy, and never takes birth again.

These are the core, common teachings accepted in both major Jain traditions (Digambar and Shvetambar), though details of practice may differ.