Jainism is one of the most ancient religions of India. It teaches a very simple but very deep message: Do not harm any living being, and purify your own soul.

1. What is Jainism?

• Jainism is not founded by one person.
• It is the path shown by 24 Tirthankaras (Ford‑makers), the last being Bhagwan Mahavir (around 6th century BCE).
• Jains believe the soul (jiva) is eternal and can become completely pure and free from all karma.

2. Main principles

The heart of Jain dharma is ahimsa (non‑violence) in thought, word and action.

Five main vows (mahāvrata for saints, aṇuvrata for laypeople):

1. Ahimsa – non‑violence to all living beings
2. Satya – truthfulness
3. Achaurya / Asteya – not stealing
4. Brahmacharya – control of sensuality (full celibacy for monks/nuns)
5. Aparigraha – non‑possessiveness, limiting desires

From these come many Jain habits: vegetarianism, care for tiny insects, careful speech, and simple living.

3. Three Jewels (Ratnatraya)

To progress spiritually, Jainism teaches:

1. Samyak Darshan – Right Faith (right view / attitude)
2. Samyak Jnan – Right Knowledge
3. Samyak Charitra – Right Conduct

When all three are perfected, the soul becomes Siddha (liberated).

4. Karma and liberation

• In Jainism, karma is a very fine matter that sticks to the soul when we think, speak, or act with passion (anger, pride, deceit, greed).
• By right conduct, austerity, and inner purity, old karma is shed and new karma is stopped.
• The final goal is Moksha – complete freedom from karma, birth, and death, with infinite knowledge and bliss.

5. Daily life and practices

For lay Jains (śrāvaks / śrāvikās):

• Vegetarian (many also avoid root vegetables, eggs, honey, etc.).
• Try to avoid eating at night (to reduce harm to small beings).
• Puja, Samayik, Pratikraman, meditation, svādhyāy (study).
• Charity (dāna), honesty in business, and peaceful family life.

For monks and nuns:

• Very strict vows: no possessions, barefoot travel, careful speech, intense discipline to avoid even the smallest violence.

6. Main sects

Both follow the same basic principles and Tirthankaras:

• Digambar (“sky‑clad”)
• Shvetambar (“white‑clad”)

There are differences in practice, scripture collections, and some details of doctrine, but the core—ahimsa, karma theory, moksha, ratnatraya—is the same.

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If you wish to read more basic concepts of Jainism in simple form, you can explore this page also: