Answer

Jain Dharma is a path of self-purification, non-violence, self-control, and liberation of the soul.

Its basic teaching is:

Every living being has a soul, and every soul can become pure, free, and liberated by removing karma.

Basic Ideas of Jain Dharma

• Ahimsa: Non-violence in thought, speech, and action.
• Karma: Karma is subtle matter that attaches to the soul due to passions and actions.
• Soul: The soul is eternal, conscious, and capable of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss, and energy.
• Moksha: Liberation from birth, death, suffering, and karma.
• Self-discipline: Control of desires, anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

Three Jewels of Jain Dharma

The path to liberation is based on the Ratnatraya, the Three Jewels:

• Samyak Darshan: Right Faith
• Samyak Jnan: Right Knowledge
• Samyak Charitra: Right Conduct

Main Vows

Jain Dharma teaches five main vows:

• Ahimsa: Non-violence
• Satya: Truthfulness
• Achaurya / Asteya: Not stealing
• Brahmacharya: Celibacy or control over sensual desires
• Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma teaches that no outside power gives liberation. Each soul must purify itself through right faith, right knowledge, right conduct, compassion, and self-control.

Takeaway

The basics of Jain Dharma can be remembered simply:

Do no harm, speak truth, control desires, reduce attachment, purify the soul, and move toward moksha.