Jain
Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma is an ancient religion of India.
Jains are a small but influential religious minority with at least 4.2 million followers in modern India, and successful growing immigrant communities in the United States, Western Europe, the Far East, Australia and elsewhere. Jains sustain the ancient Shraman or ascetic religion and have significantly influenced other religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India.
Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship and have the highest degree of literacy in India. Jain libraries are India's oldest.
Beliefs
Jains believe that all living beings possess a soul, and therefore great care and awareness is required in going about one's business in the world. Jainism is a religion in which all life is considered worthy of respect and it emphasizes this equality of all life, advocating the protection of even the smallest creatures. This goes as far as the life of a fly. A major characteristic of Jain belief is the emphasis on the consequences of not only physical but also mental behaviors.
A Jain is a follower of Jinas ("conquerors"), specially gifted human beings who have rediscovered the dharma, became fully liberated and taught the spiritual path for the benefit of all living beings. Jains follow the teachings of 24 special Jinas who are known as Tirthankaras ('ford-makers', those who have discovered and shown the way to salvation). The 24th and most recent Tirthankar is Shri Mahavir, who lived from 599 to 527 BCE according to traditional history. The 23rd Tirthankar, Shri Parsvanatha, is now recognised as a historical person, who lived during 872 to 772 BC.
Jainism encourages spiritual development through reliance on and cultivating one's own personal wisdom and self-control. The goal is realization of the soul's true nature.
Jaina tradition is unanimous in naming Rishabha (also known as Adhinath) as the First Tirthankar. The first Tirthankar, Rishabhdev/ Adhinath appeared prior to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Jain Swastika symbol and naked statues resembling the Jain monks amongst the remains of the Indus Valley Civilization, do substantiate claims.
Jainism believes that the Universe and Dharma have no beginning and no ending. However it goes through a process of cyclical change. Jains believe it is approx. 8.4 million years old religion in its current cyclic period. Therefore there is no concept of a creator of the universe within Jainism.
Jainism differs from other religions in its concept of God. According to its belief, there is no overarching supreme divine creator, owner, preserver or destroyer. Every living soul is potentially divine and the Sidhhas who have completely eliminated their karmic bonding, thereby ending their cycle of birth and death, have attained God-consciousness.