jain jinvani
Jainism traditionally known as Jain Dharma, is an ancient Indian religion belonging to the Śramaṇa tradition. The central tenet is non-violence and respect towards all living beings.
The main religious premises of Jainism are ahimsa ("non-violence"), anekantavada ("non-absolutism"), aparigraha ("non-possessiveness") and asceticism ("frugality and abstinence"). Followers of Jainism take five main vows: ahimsa ("non-violence"), satya ("truth"), asteya ("not stealing"), brahmacharya ("celibacy or chastity"), and aparigraha ("non-attachment").
The word "Jain" derives from the Sanskrit word Jina (conqueror). A human being who has conquered all inner passions such as attachment, desire, anger, pride, and greed 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.
Jainism has between four and five million followers with most Jains residing in India. Outside India, some of the largest Jain communities are present in Canada, Europe, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Suriname, Fiji, and the United States. The two major sects of contemporary Jainism are Digambara and Śvētāmbara. Major Jain festivals include Paryushana and Daslakshana, Mahavir Jayanti, and Diwali.
