Jainism (pronounced in English as /'d?e?.n?zm?/), traditionally known as Jain Dharma (??? ????), is a religion and philosophy originating in the prehistory of South Asia. Now a minority in modern India with growing communities in the United States, Western Europe, Africa, the Far East and elsewhere, Jains have continued to sustain the ancient Shraman (?????) or ascetic tradition.
Jainism has significantly influenced the religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for well over two millennia. Jainism stresses the spiritual independence and equality of all life with a particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control (????, vrata) is the means by which Jains attain moksha, Keval Gnan, or realization of the soul's true nature.
A lay Jain is termed a shravak (??????) i.e. a listener. The Jain Sangha (???), or order, has four components: monks (????), nuns, lay men and lay women.
Overview of Jain Dharma
Jain philosophy is considered a compilation of eternal, universal truths. Over a period of time, these truths may lapse among humanity and then reappear through the teachings of enlightened humans, those who have reached enlightenment or total knowledge (Keval Gnan). Traditionally,in our universe and in our time, Lord Rishabh (??? or ????) is regarded as the first to realize those truths followed by Lord Parshva (877-777 BCE) and Lord Vardhaman Mahavir (??????) (599-527 BCE).
Jainism teaches that every living thing is an individual with an eternal soul, jiva, and responsible for its actions. This teaches the individual to live, think and act with respect and honor the spiritual nature of all life. Jains view God as the unchanging traits of the pure soul of each living being, chiefly described as Infinite Knowledge, Percepti ...