(south asian religion)
(jainism (/ˈdʒeɪnɪzəm/ or /ˈdʒaɪnɪzəm/), traditionally known as Jain dharma, is an ancient Indian religion belonging to the śramaṇa tradition)
It prescribes ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings to the most possible extent. The three main principles of Jainism are ahimsa, anekantavada (non-absolutism), aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Followers of Jainism take five main vows: ahimsa, satya (not lying), asteya (non stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha. Monks follow them completely whereas śrāvakas (householders) observe them partially. Self-discipline and asceticism are thus major focuses of Jainism. Parasparopagraho Jivanam (The function of souls is to help one another) is the motto of Jainism.
The word “Jain” derives from the Sanskrit word jina (conqueror). A human being who has conquered all inner passions like attachment, desire, anger, pride, greed, etc. is called Jina. Followers of the path practiced and preached by the jinas are known as Jains.[3][4][5][6][7]
Jains trace their history through a succession of twenty-four teachers and revivers of the Jain path known as tirthankaras. In the current era, this started with Rishabhanatha and concluded with Mahavira. Jains believe that Jainism is eternal; it has been and will be forgotten and revived from time to time. Jain philosophy is the oldest Indian philosophy that separates body (matter) from the soul (consciousness) completely.[8] Jains maintain that all living beings are really soul, intrinsically perfect and immortal. Souls in transmigration (that is, liability to repeated births and deaths) are said to be imprisoned in the body. Practitioners believe non-violence and self-control are the means to liberation. Jain texts reject the idea of a creator deity and postulates an eternal universe. Jainism has a very elaborate framework on types of life and includes life-forms that may be invisible.
Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Jainism and adopted many Jain principles in his life.
The majority of Jains reside in India. With 4–6 million followers, Jainism is smaller than many major world religions. Outside of India, some of the largest Jain communities are found in the United States, Europe, Kenya, and Canada. Contemporary Jainism is divided into two major sects, Digambara and Śvētāmbara.
Namokar Mantra is the basic and most common prayer in Jainism.
(major jain festivals include Paryushana (aka Daslakshana), Mahavir Jayanti and diwali)