What do Jains believe?

Jainism is an ancient religion whose philosophy is that the way to liberation, spiritual purity and enlightenment is through disciplined nonviolence to all living creatures.

Jainism became famous in the 6th century B.C. Lord Vardhamana Mahavira propagated the religion. There were 24 great teachers called Tirthankaras (people who had attained Moksha or liberation), the last of whom was Lord Mahavira.

The five doctrines or vows of Jainism:

1. Ahimsa: Non-injury to living beings

2. Satya: Do not speak a lie (truthfulness)

3. Asteya: Do not steal

4. Aparigraha: Do not get attached to possessions

5. Brahmacharya: Sexual restraint

Jainsim puts non-violence above all. Jains believe in reincarnation - the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth which is determined by one’s Karma.

Violence leads to bad karma. The code of conduct is so strict that Jains practise non-violence in their food habits and regular chores as well, going to great lengths not to harm any living being.

Jains are strict vegetarians and do not eat root vegetables because removing the root will kill the plant. They eat vegetables that can be picked from the plant as this keeps the rest of the plant intact.

Jains believe that plants, animals, and nature (like air and water) have souls, just like humans. Hence their strict adherence to the principle of not harming humans, plants, animals, and even non-living things.

High-rank Jain monks and nuns avoid swatting mosquitos or sweeping the floor in order to avoid hurting or stepping on ants.

You can attain liberation in Jainism through the three principles or three jewels or Triratna:

Right Faith (Samyakdarshana)

Right Knowledge (Samyakjnana)

Right Action (Samyakcharita)

Final Note: Jains represent less than 2% of India’s population, but Mahatma Gandhi admired their non-violence and incorporated some of their ideas into India’s independence movement. Today there are around 6 million Jains in the world.