Jainism

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Originated in India, emphasizing non-violence, karma, and the pursuit of ultimate liberation.

What is Jainism?

Quote: "Jainism ( JAY-nih-zəm), also known as Jain Dharma, is an Indian religion."

How does Jainism trace its spiritual ideas and history?

Quote: "Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and history through the succession of twenty-four tirthankaras (supreme preachers of Dharma)."

Who is considered the first tirthankara in the current time cycle?

Quote: "The first in the current time cycle being Rishabhadeva, whom the tradition holds to have lived millions of years ago."

When is the estimated historical date for the twenty-third tirthankara, Parshvanatha?

Quote: "The twenty-third tirthankara Parshvanatha, whom historians date to the 9th century BCE."

When is the estimated historical date for the twenty-fourth tirthankara, Mahavira?

Quote: "The twenty-fourth tirthankara Mahavira, around 600 BCE."

What are the three main pillars of Jainism?

Quote: "The three main pillars of Jainism are ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), and aparigraha (asceticism)."

What are the five main vows taken by Jain monks?

Quote: "Jain monks take five main vows: ahiṃsā (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (not stealing), brahmacharya (chastity), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness)."

How have the principles of Jainism affected Jain culture?

Quote: "These principles have affected Jain culture in many ways, such as leading to a predominantly lacto-vegetarian lifestyle."

What is the faith's motto in Jainism?

Quote: "Parasparopagraho jīvānām (the function of souls is to help one another) is the faith's motto."

What is the most common and strongest prayer in Jainism?

Quote: "The Namokar Mantra is its most common and strongest prayer."

Is Jainism one of the oldest religions still practiced today?

Quote: "Jainism is one of the oldest religions still practiced today."

How many major ancient sub-traditions does Jainism have?

Quote: "It has two major ancient sub-traditions, Digambaras and Śvētāmbaras."

What are the views held by Digambaras and Śvētāmbaras?

Quote: "Both sub-traditions hold different views on ascetic practices, gender, and the texts considered canonical."

Who supports the mendicants in Jainism?

Quote: "Both sub-traditions have mendicants supported by laypersons (śrāvakas and śrāvikas)."

Where are the majority of Jains located?

Quote: "The religion has between four and five million followers, known as Jains, who reside mostly in India."

Name three countries with significant Jain communities outside of India.

Quote: "Outside India, some of the largest Jain communities can be found in Canada, Europe, and the United States."

Which country has a growing community of Jain converts?

Quote: "Japan is also home to a fast-growing community of converts."

What are some major festivals in Jainism?

Quote: "Major festivals include Paryushana and Das Lakshana, Ashtanika, Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Akshaya Tritiya, and Dipawali."

How many Jains were there in India according to the 2011 census?

Quote: "They numbered around 4.5 million at the 2011 census."

How many followers does Jainism have in total?

Quote: "The religion has between four and five million followers, known as Jains."