According to Jainism, Jains are followers of a distinct and independent religious tradition known as Jain Dharma or Jainism. Jainism has its own unique philosophies, scriptures, spiritual practices, rituals, and ethical codes, which are different from those of Hinduism. Jainism teaches the path of non-violence (ahimsa), non-possessiveness (aparigraha), and many other principles that are foundational to its faith.

While Jainism and Hinduism have coexisted in the Indian subcontinent and share some cultural similarities due to geographic proximity, Jainism is not a sect or branch of Hinduism. Jains do not consider themselves Hindus, and Jainism is recognized as a separate religion both by its own adherents and in the Indian Constitution.