Table of Contents

What Is Jainism?

Jainism is one of the world’s oldest religions, originating in India at least 2,500 years ago. It teaches that the path to liberation lies through non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-attachment (aparigraha). With only 4 to 5 million followers — mostly in India — Jainism is numerically small but philosophically profound, with an influence on Indian culture and the global concept of non-violence far exceeding its numbers.

The Tirthankaras

Jainism does not have a single founder in the conventional sense. It recognizes 24 Tirthankaras (“ford-makers” — those who create a crossing over the river of rebirth) who achieved perfect knowledge and taught the path to liberation. The 24th and most recent was Mahavira (599-527 BCE), a contemporary of the Buddha, who is the most historically documented figure in the tradition.

Mahavira renounced royal life at age 30, spent 12 years as a wandering ascetic, and achieved kevala jnana (perfect knowledge) at age 42. He spent the remaining 30 years of his life teaching. His followers organized into a community of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen — a four-fold structure that persists today.

Core Beliefs

Non-violence (ahimsa) is the defining principle. Jains take ahimsa further than any other religion. All living beings possess souls (jiva) at different stages of consciousness — from one-sensed beings (plants, earth, water, fire, air) to five-sensed beings (humans, animals). Harming any of them generates negative karma.

This commitment shapes daily life in practical ways. Jains are strictly vegetarian — most avoid root vegetables (harvesting kills the plant) and some avoid eating after sunset (to prevent accidentally consuming insects attracted to light). Jain monks and nuns live with extraordinary discipline: some own nothing beyond a broom, a water gourd, and cloth to cover their mouths.

Karma in Jainism is not an abstract moral law — it is conceived as actual physical particles that attach to the soul through actions, thoughts, and speech. Positive actions attract light karma; violent or dishonest actions attract heavy karma that weighs the soul down in the cycle of rebirth. Liberation requires shedding all accumulated karma.

Anekantavada (many-sidedness) is a distinctive Jain philosophical principle. It holds that truth and reality are perceived differently from different points of view, and no single perspective captures the complete truth. This has been compared to modern pluralism and epistemic humility — the recognition that your perspective is always partial.

The Two Major Sects

Digambara (“sky-clad”) — monks practice complete nudity, owning literally nothing. They believe women must be reborn as men before achieving liberation. Digambaras are the more conservative tradition, found mainly in southern and western India.

Shvetambara (“white-clad”) — monks and nuns wear simple white garments. They believe women can achieve liberation in the current birth. Shvetambaras are more numerous and found mainly in western India (Gujarat, Rajasthan).

Despite these differences, both sects share core philosophical commitments and maintain cordial relations.

Jain Influence

Jainism’s influence extends far beyond its small membership:

Gandhi and non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi grew up in Gujarat surrounded by Jain culture. His philosophy of satyagraha (truth-force) and non-violent resistance drew heavily from Jain principles of ahimsa. Through Gandhi, Jain ideas influenced Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and global non-violence movements.

Economic success. Despite comprising less than 0.4% of India’s population, Jains are among the most prosperous communities. Their ethical commitments — honesty in business, prohibition on gambling and speculation, emphasis on education — have produced disproportionate success in commerce, industry, and the professions.

Architecture. Jain temples are among India’s most beautiful structures. The Dilwara Temples in Rajasthan, carved from white marble with astonishing intricacy, are considered architectural masterpieces.

Environmentalism. Jain principles of non-harm and minimal consumption align naturally with environmental conservation. Several Jain organizations actively promote veganism, animal rights, and ecological sustainability.

Practice Today

Most Jain laypeople follow the “lesser vows” — modified versions of the five ascetic vows adapted for household life. They are vegetarian, avoid professions that involve significant harm (leather, weapons, alcohol), practice charitable giving, and observe periodic fasting.

Temples serve as centers of community life. Worship involves offerings to images of the Tirthankaras — not as prayers for favors (the Tirthankaras have transcended the world and cannot intervene) but as meditation on the qualities of the enlightened soul.

The annual festival of Paryushana (8 or 10 days of fasting, prayer, and confession) is the most important religious observance. It concludes with Micchami Dukkadam — a day of asking forgiveness from all beings for any harm caused during the year.

Jainism asks hard questions about how to live without causing harm in a world where harm is unavoidable. Its answers are extreme by any standard, but the questions themselves — how much violence am I willing to accept for my comfort? — remain relevant for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ahimsa in Jainism?

Ahimsa (non-violence) is the supreme ethical principle in Jainism, taken to an extreme degree. Jains avoid harming any living being — including insects, microorganisms, and plants. Some Jain monks sweep the ground before them to avoid stepping on insects and wear cloth over their mouths to prevent inhaling small creatures. This commitment to non-violence extends to thought and speech as well as physical action.

How many Jains are there?

Approximately 4 to 5 million Jains live worldwide, with the vast majority in India. Despite small numbers, Jains have outsized economic and cultural influence in India — they are among the most educated and prosperous communities, and Jain values of non-violence significantly influenced Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of peaceful resistance.

Do Jains believe in God?

Jainism does not believe in a creator god. It holds that the universe is eternal and self-existing. However, Jains revere the 24 Tirthankaras — enlightened teachers who achieved liberation from the cycle of rebirth and showed others the path. The most recent Tirthankara, Mahavira (599-527 BCE), is the most prominent figure in Jain tradition.

Further Reading

• Jainism – Encyclopaedia Britannica
• Jain Studies – SOAS University of London
• Victoria and Albert Museum – Jainism