Jainism

        Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with roots in India around the 6th century BCE—around the same time as Buddhism. It didn’t arise suddenly; it built on much older traditions going back centuries earlier and was founded by Mahavira, who is considered the 24th and last Tirthankara (spiritual teacher who has conquered the cycle of life and death).

        Mahavira did not believe in a creator god but rather taught that spiritual liberation comes from self-discipline, nonviolence, and inner purity. Jainism has stayed local to India and has influenced Indian culture, especially with vegetarianism and environmentalism. There are around four to five million Jains worldwide, with most living in India.

        Jainism is focused on achieving liberation (moksha) from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara) by eliminating karma, which sticks to the soul through thoughts, words, and actions.

Some of the most important ideas in Jainism include:

• Ahimsa (Nonviolence) – This is the most important Jain principle. Jains avoid harming any living being, even tiny insects. Many are strict vegetarians or even avoid root vegetables to prevent killing small organisms in the soil.

• Aparigraha (Non-attachment) – Letting go of possessions, desires, and greed is key to spiritual growth. Monks and nuns live with almost nothing.

• Satya (Truthfulness) – Always speaking the truth, but doing so in a way that doesn’t harm others.

• Asteya (Non-stealing) – Never taking anything that isn’t freely given.

• Brahmacharya (Chastity) – Controlling desires, especially sexual ones. Monks and nuns are celibate, while lay followers are expected to be faithful.

• Many-sided reality (Anekantavada) – The belief that truth is complex and no single viewpoint captures all of it. Jains value open-mindedness and respectful discussion.

Jain monks and nuns live extremely disciplined lives: they often wear white robes or go completely unclothed (in the Digambara sect), walk barefoot, and sweep the ground as they walk to avoid harming insects.

        Jains believe in an eternal soul that goes through rebirth based on karma. Every soul's goal is to reach moksha, a state of perfect purity and freedom beyond life and death. There is no creator god in Jainism, instead divinity is seen as something that exists within a purified soul. Liberation is achieved through right faith, right conduct, and right knowledge 

        Jainism is a spiritual path rooted in compassion, discipline, and respect for all forms of life. Though it’s less well-known globally, its teachings have had a lasting impact—especially the principle of ahimsa, which inspired figures like Mahatma Gandhi and movements for peace and justice. In a world often driven by excess, Jainism offers a quiet but powerful reminder of simplicity, awareness, and inner peace.