72 Jinalaya Grand Jain Temple (Jain Mandir), Bhinmal, Rajasthan, India. भीनमाल ७२ जिनालय जैन मंदिर, राजस्थान, भारत देश.
Jainism (/ˈdʒeɪnɪzəm/[1] or /ˈdʒaɪnɪzəm/[2]), traditionally known as Jain dharma,[3] is an ancient Indian religion belonging to the śramaṇa tradition. It prescribes ahimsa (non-violence) towards all living beings to the most possible extent. The three main principles of Jainism are ahimsa, anekantavada (non-absolutism), aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Followers of Jainism take five main vows: ahimsa, satya (not lying), asteya (non stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha. Monks follow them completely whereas śrāvakas (householders) observe them partially. Self-discipline and asceticism are thus major focuses of Jainism. Parasparopagraho Jivanam (The function of souls is to help one another) is the motto of Jainism.
The word "Jain" derives from the Sanskrit word jina (conqueror). A human being who has conquered all inner passions like attachment, desire, anger, pride, greed, etc. is called Jina. Followers of the path practiced and preached by the jinas are known as Jains.
Jains trace their history through a succession of twenty-four teachers and revivers of the Jain path known as tirthankaras. In the current era, this started with Rishabhanatha and concluded with Mahavira. Jains believe that Jainism is eternal; it has been and will be forgotten and revived from time to time. Jain philosophy is the oldest Indian philosophy that separates body (matter) from the soul (consciousness) completely.[8] Jains maintain that all living beings are really soul, intrinsically perfect and immortal. Souls in transmigration (that is, liability to repeated births and deaths) are said to be imprisoned in the body. Practitioners believe non-violence and self-control are the means to liberation. Jain texts reject the idea of a creator deity and postulates an eternal universe. Jainism has a very elaborate framework on types of life and includes life-forms that may be invisible.
Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Jainism and adopted many Jain principles in his life.
The majority of Jains reside in India. With 4–6 million followers, Jainism is smaller than many major world religions. Outside of India, some of the largest Jain communities are found in the United States, Europe, Kenya, and Canada. Contemporary Jainism is divided into two major sects, Digambara and Śvētāmbara.
Namokar Mantra is the basic and most common prayer in Jainism. Major Jain festivals include Paryushana (aka Daslakshana), Mahavir Jayanti and Diwali.
Like all religions, Jainism is criticized and praised for some of its practices and beliefs.

Mahatma Gandhi was greatly influenced by Jainism, adopting the Jain principles of asceticism, compassion for all forms of life, the importance of vows for self-discipline, vegetarianism, fasting for self-purification, and mutual tolerance among people of different creeds.[221] Mahatma Gandhi said:

No religion in the World has explained the principle of Ahimsa so deeply and systematically as is discussed with its applicability in every human life in Jainism. As and when the benevolent principle of Ahimsa or non-violence will be ascribed for practice by the people of the world to achieve their end of life in this world and beyond. Jainism is sure to have the uppermost status and Mahāvīra is sure to be respected as the greatest authority on Ahimsa.[222]

— Mahatma Gandhi
Swami Vivekananda appreciated the role of Jainism in the development of Indian religious philosophy. In his words, he asks:

What could have saved Indian society from the ponderous burden of omnifarious ritualistic ceremonialism, with its animal and other sacrifices, which all but crushed the very life of it, except the Jain revolution which took its strong stand exclusively on chaste morals and philosophical truths?
Chandragupta Maurya, a Jaina Shravaka, became a Jain monk in the latter part of his life.
Gommateshwara statue (10th century) at Shravanabelagola, created by Chavundaraya.
Statue of Ahimsa (completed in 2016), Mangi-Tungi, Maharashtra, created by Gyanmati Mataji.
Megalithic statue of Rishabhanatha at Bawangaja

свернуть