jainism

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes the eternal nature of its teachings, tracing its spiritual lineage through twenty-four tirthankaras, with Mahavira being the most recent significant teacher around 600 BCE. Central to Jain philosophy are the principles of ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (asceticism), which guide adherents in their pursuit of liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth by recognizing the distinct nature of the soul from physical and mental elements. With a rich cultural heritage, Jainism has influenced millions worldwide, primarily in India but also in growing communities across Canada, Europe, the United States, and Japan, fostering a lifestyle rooted in compassion, truthfulness, and non-possessiveness.