Jainism Is an Ancient Religion

Jainism is a very old Indian faith.

From the outset, Jainism was founded on the premise that in what they felt, did or told, people should never be aggressive. Jainism has roughly 4 to five million adherents, most of whom live in India. People following the area are called Jains.

Mahavira, who lived in India in the 6th century BC during the time of Buddha, was an important figure in Jainism's history. It was also thought of Mahavira as a prince who gave up all his spirituality. For twelve years he fasted and meditated and slowly got rid of the world's problems. He received what is called 'illumination' and started to preach and teach. Through his observations Mahavira inspired many people and helped make the faith what it is today.

In Jainism care and compassion are of key importance for all life – human, animal or plant life.

Jains think any living being has the soul and should not be harmed regardless of how little. Some monks from Jain also swallow the ground, as they go to make sure they're not struck by an insect, or wearing a mask to avoid swallowing it!

In August or September, Jains celebrate their main festival. The time is 8-10 days, it is called Paryushana or Daslakshana. The festival is an important occasion for Jains to quickly and meditate regularly.

Jains dream of the soul's rebirth. That means that you believe the soul is born in another body when a living being dies. Jainism's primary aim is to achieve a moksha (ending the cycle of birth-death-rebirth). When they attain enlightenment or what is considered as 'god knowledge' by Jains, they achieve moksha. The actions people do in their lifetime draw karmas according to Jainism, which can be good or bad.

The karmas bind themselves to the soul of the person and influence how they will be born again later. When the soul gets moksha it gets rid of karmas and climbs to the peak of the universe and a happiness state known as nirvana. These are called Tirthankara people who have achieved moksha.
Jain temples are lovely buildings and there are always 24 Tirthankara statues inside. While Jains don't believe in a single deity, the Tirthankaras are used as guides for their everyday lives. The adorers stand and bow and pray at any law. Pour over the statues a presentation of milk, yoghurt, butter, sugar and flowers.