Jainism

Summary

Founded by the latest and last Jina, Mahavira(meaning "The Great Hero". His birth name is Vardhamma), Jainism is an atheistic religion, like Buddhism. The main split in beliefs is that Jains believe that everything in the entirety of the universe has a soul. However, both were centered around a rejection of the rigid caste system put in place by the Brahmins. Jainism is still practiced today, in Houston even! To learn more about the Jain Society of Houston[1]. To learn more about Jainism in general[2].

Mahavira

The last of 24 Jinas, Vardhamma/Mahavira was born in 550 BCE. Like the Buddha, Mahavira was a reformer of Hinduism/Hindu Dharma. He is the founder of Jainism, and reached enlightenment after 13 years of deprivation and meditation, after which (in 420 BCE) he starved himself to death( committed salekhama) , a precedent set for all holy Jains. [3]

Beliefs

Mahavira was the last Jina, and the first was a giant that lived about 8.4 million years ago. Jains believe that everything in the entire universe has a soul, as stated above. Because of this belief, they practice austere forms of vegetarianism and non-violence. Some Jains will not wear clothing because the fabric is taken from plant fibers.

Nonviolence is one of five great values that Jainism focuses on. They are:

1. Non-violence/Ahmisa: not to cause harm to any living beings because they all have souls

2. Truthfulness/Satya: to speak only the harmless truth

3. Chastity/Brahmacharya: not to indulge in sensual pleasure

4. Non-stealing/Asteya: not to take anything that is not your property or properly given to you

5. Non-possession/Aparigraha: no social activity or attachment to objects, or complete detachment from material goods, places, and people

Bibliography

Page 111 of the Manual

Again, for more information[4][5]