Religion overview • concise & respectful
Jainism
Non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and liberation through conquering karma; reverence for enlightened teachers (Tirthankaras).
At a glance
Family / regionDharmic
OriginAncient India
Primary textsAgamas and later commentaries (varies by tradition); rich philosophical literature.
Key ideas (high level)
Core focusNon-violence (ahimsa), truth, and liberation through conquering karma; reverence for enlightened teachers (Tirthankaras).
PracticesEthical vows, meditation, fasting, vegetarianism (often), rituals and pilgrimage.
Afterlife / cosmologyRebirth shaped by karma until liberation; liberated souls exist in a perfected state.
Liberation / salvation framingLiberation (moksha) through ethical discipline, ascetic practice, and knowledge; emphasis on non-harm.
CommunityTwo major traditions (Digambara, Śvetāmbara) with monastic and lay communities.
Helpful vocabulary
AhimsaNon-violence; minimizing harm in thought, word, and deed.
KarmaMoral causation; in Jain thought, karma is also a subtle matter that binds the soul.
TirthankaraAn enlightened teacher who shows the path to liberation.
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