Jainism

[Sarah]

The heterodox Hindoo religion, of which the most strikingfeatures are the exaltation of saints or holy mortals, called jins,above the ordinary Hindoo gods, and the denial of the divine originand infallibility of the Vedas. It is intermediate between Brahmanismand Buddhism, having some things in common with each.

[Sarah]

An ascetic religion of India, founded in the sixth century BCE that teaches the immortality and transmigration of the soul and denies the existence of a perfect or supreme being. Both Jainism and Buddhism was rooted in dissatisfication with Brahmanic ritual and was founded by rough contemporaries in the 7th-6th centuries BCE by memebers of the kshatriya varna. It appealed to the masses by offering methods of salvation free from priestly control and rejecting the caste system. It Focuses on the need for extreme self mortification, the absence of possessions (including clothing) and the necessity of ahimsa, the practice of no-harm. They practice ahimsa to the point that they wear no shoes so that they do not step on insects and kill them. By doing bad deeds, they believe that karmic matter sticks to the soul. By doing good deeds, they believe that karmic matter loosens from the soul. Along with the act of ahimsa, Jains cannot lie, and commit sexual unchasity or infidelity. They must also guard against evils that can be avoided, observe regular meditation, observe regular periods of self denial, ocassionaly observe days as monks, control greed, and give alms (especially to ascetics).

[Sarah]

One of the oldest religious traditions of India, Jainism has existed side by side with Hinduism throughout its long history. With fewer than 5 million adherents and comprising less than 1% the Indian population, Jainism has demonstrated a remarkable tenacity and endurance and continues to exert an influence far beyond its small numbers.
Jainism (the name derives from a Sanskrit word meaning follower

[Sarah]

A religion where people believe that everything is sacred and should be revered. Destruction of anything is outlawed. Jains, or people who believe in Jainism, wear loose white garments with sandals and a mouth flap. This traditional outfit is so that nothing, even insects will not be accidentally harmed. They also usually carry some sort of broom to clear passage ways of living things for them to step. They are very reclusive and good whole hearted people.