Jainism

Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world, originating in India over 2,500 years ago. The tradition is based on the teachings of the Tirthankaras ("ford-makers"), enlightened beings who have crossed the ocean of rebirth and shown the path to liberation. The most recent and well-known Tirthankara is Mahavira (c. 599–527 BCE), a contemporary of the Buddha, though Jains trace their lineage back through 24 Tirthankaras to the primordial teacher Rishabhadeva.

The central principle of Jainism is Ahimsa (non-violence)—the commitment to avoid harm to all living beings in thought, word, and deed. This principle extends not only to humans and animals but to the tiniest microorganisms. Jain ethics also emphasize truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-attachment (Aparigraha). These five vows form the foundation of Jain spiritual practice.

The Jain scriptures known as the Agamas contain the sermons and teachings of Mahavira, transmitted through an oral tradition and later compiled in written form. The Jaina Sutras, translated by Hermann Jacobi as part of the Sacred Books of the East series, include the Akaranga Sutra (the oldest Jain text, focusing on ascetic conduct) and the Kalpa Sutra (biographies of the Tirthankaras).