Jainism is one of the world's oldest religions, originating in India. It is defined by a rigorous commitment to non-violence (Ahinsa), asceticism, and the belief that every living being possesses an eternal, independent soul.
Cosmology
The Jain worldview is unique because it is atheistic in a cosmological sense—it does not believe in a creator god.
* How the World Began: Jains believe the universe (Loka) is eternal. It was never created and will never be destroyed. It functions according to universal natural laws. Time is viewed as a rotating wheel with upward and downward cycles (Kalachakras), each lasting billions of years.
* The Meaning of Life: The primary goal of life is Moksha (liberation). Jains believe the soul (Jiva) is naturally bright and omniscient but is clouded by Karma. In Jainism, karma is a physical substance—fine particles of matter that stick to the soul based on one's actions. The meaning of life is to stop new karma from sticking and to shed old karma through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
* The Afterlife: Upon death, the soul is immediately reborn into one of four realms: heavenly beings, humans, hellish beings, or the animal/plant kingdom. This cycle continues until the soul is completely purified of all karma, at which point it ascends to the Siddhashila (the realm of liberated souls) at the top of the universe to rest in eternal bliss.
Practice
Jain practice is centered on the Five Great Vows (Mahavratas), which are followed strictly by monks and more flexibly by laypeople.
* Ahinsa (Non-violence): This is the most famous aspect of Jainism. It is the practice of not harming any living being—human, animal, insect, or even microscopic organisms—in thought, word, or deed.
* Vegetarianism: Jains follow a strict lacto-vegetarian diet. Many also avoid root vegetables (like potatoes and onions) because harvesting them kills the entire plant and the tiny organisms living in the soil.
* Asceticism and Fasting: Jains place a high value on self-discipline. Fasting is a common practice to purify the soul. Monks and nuns live lives of extreme poverty, owning nothing and often traveling on foot.
* Pratikraman: A ritual of repentance where Jains reflect on their daily activities and ask for forgiveness for any harm they may have caused to living beings, intentionally or unintentionally.
Major "Deities" (The Tirthankaras)
Jainism does not have "gods" who create the world or answer prayers in the traditional sense. Instead, they venerate the Tirthankaras, human beings who achieved enlightenment and showed others the way to liberation.
* The 24 Tirthankaras: There are 24 Tirthankaras in the current half-cycle of time. They are not creators, but role models.
* Mahavira (The 24th Tirthankara): A contemporary of the Buddha (6th century BCE), he is the most significant figure in modern Jainism. He reorganized the Jain philosophy and emphasized the importance of the five vows.
* Parshvanatha (The 23rd Tirthankara): Regarded as a historical figure who lived a few centuries before Mahavira. He is often depicted with a canopy of serpent hoods over his head.
* Rishabhanatha (Adinatha): The first Tirthankara of this cycle, credited with teaching humanity the basics of agriculture, arts, and social organization.
* The Siddhas: These are the liberated souls who have achieved Moksha. While they are "divine" in their perfection, they do not intervene in human affairs.
Additional Reading
Tattvarthasutra, with Hindi and English translation
Jain Śvetāmbara Āgama Canon in English (w/Hindi)
Kalpa Sutra of Bhadrabahu
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