Here is a simple, core-guide to Jainism.

• What Jainism is

- An ancient Indian religion that teaches a path to spiritual liberation (moksha) through ethical living, non-violence, and self-discipline. - It emphasizes freeing the soul from karma by purifying actions, thoughts, and speech.

• Core beliefs

- Ahimsa (non-violence): The central principle. It applies to all living beings and influences diet, conduct, and thought. - Anekantavada (many-sidedness): Truth is complex; every viewpoint has partial truth. This leads to humility and open-minded dialogue. - Aparigraha (non-attachment): Limiting possessions and desires to reduce harm and cultivate contentment. - Karma and moksha: Every action creates karma; through right conduct, knowledge, and renunciation, one can shed karma and attain ultimate freedom. - Jiva and Ajiva: The world is made of living souls (jiva) and non-living substances (ajiva). Every jiva seeks liberation.

• Key figures and scriptures

- Tirthankaras: 24 enlightened teachers who founded Jain teachings; each helps beings cross the sea of worldly existence. - Jain agams and minor scriptures: Teachings include ethics, philosophy, and cosmology. Texts differ somewhat between Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions. - Practice is anchored in the example and teachings of the Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira in the contemporary tradition.

• Ethics and daily practice

- Non-violence in thought, word, and deed; often reflected in vegetarianism and careful living. - Truthfulness, honesty, and integrity in speech and action. - Non-stealing and celibacy or restraint according to one’s stage of life. - Limiting possessions; simple living and mindful consumption. - Regular practices: meditation, prayer, and participation in temple or sangha activities; personal discipline is encouraged.

• Sects and differences (brief)

- Śvetāmbara and Digambara are the two main Ja in traditions. - They differ on some monastic practices, clothing (nuns and monks), and certain ritual interpretations. The core ethics—ahimsa, anekantavada, aparigraha—are shared, but traditions emphasize different practices and texts.

• Festivals and practices

- Paryushan and Das Lakshana are major periods of reflection, fasting, and excommunication of violence. - Samayik (short daily meditation), Puja (devotional offerings), and Swadhyay (study) are common practices. - Observances vary by community, but focus on self-purification, charity, and gratitude to those who teach the path.

• Path to liberation (summary)

- Right faith (samyak darshan), right knowledge (samyak jnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra) together form the trifecta for spiritual progress. - With persistent practice, one gradually purifies karma and moves toward the ultimate goal of moksha.

If you’d like, I can present a simple step-by-step beginner path (a quick daily routine or a short reading plan) or go deeper into any topic you’re curious about, such as ahimsa in modern life, Jain cosmology, or the differences between the Digambara and Śvetāmbara streams.