Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that teaches the path of non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). It emphasizes self-discipline, spiritual development, and liberation (moksha) of the soul from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). The faith was organized and reformed by Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, in the 6th century BCE, though it traces its tradition much earlier.

Jains believe that every living being has a soul (jiva) and that every soul has the potential to attain divine consciousness, provided it follows the right path. The ultimate goal in Jainism is to achieve liberation by eliminating all karmas attached to the soul through right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak jnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra). Jainism is also known for its strict vegetarianism and commitment to non-violence in thought, word, and deed.