Mahavira and Jainism

According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira (born Vardhamana) was preceded by 23 other teachers, the tirthankaras: those who guide people across the river of existence.

The basic Jaina idea is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. So non-injury (ahimsa) to all living beings, especially humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy.

Jainas believe that the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped by karma. To escape it, one must practise asceticism and penance; this is possible only by giving up the world, so monastic life is necessary for salvation.

Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: not to kill, not to steal, not to lie, to observe celibacy, and not to possess property.

Jainism spread to many parts of India. Its scholars produced a wealth of literature in Prakrit, Sanskrit and Tamil, and some of the earliest stone sculptures in India, of tirthankaras, were made by Jaina devotees. Harm nothing that lives.