Jainism, is an Indian religion that
prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its
philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move
the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation.
Any soul that has conquered its own inner
enemies and achieved the state of supreme being is called a jina
(“conqueror” or “victor”).
The ultimate status of these perfect
souls is called siddha. Ancient texts also refer to Jainism as shramana
dharma (self-reliant) or the “path of the niganthas” (those without
attachments or aversions).
Jain doctrine teaches that Jainism has
always existed and will always exist, although historians date the
foundation of the organized or present form of Jainism to sometime
between the 9th and the 6th century BC.
Like most ancient Indian religions,
Jainism may have its roots in the Indus Valley Civilization, reflecting
native spirituality prior to the Indo-Aryan migration into India.
Other scholars suggested the shramana
traditions were separate and contemporaneous with Indo-Aryan religious
practices of the historical Vedic religion.
Contemporary Jainism is a small but
influential religious minority with as many as 4.2 million followers in
India, and successful growing immigrant communities in North America,
Western Europe, the Far East, Australia and elsewhere.
Jains have significantly influenced and
contributed to ethical, political and economic spheres in India. Jains
have an ancient tradition of scholarship and have the highest degree of
literacy for a religious community in India. Jain libraries are the
oldest in the country.
