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Jainism
c. 6th–5th century BC – today· Religion or tradition· Hindu, Buddhist, Jain & Sikh
Mostly agreed by scholarsMost historians agree; some details uncertain.
An Indian religion of strict nonviolence, teaching that every soul can win liberation from rebirth through self-discipline.
See it on the World Religions map →What it is
Jains teach that the universe is eternal, has no creator, and is full of souls (jivas), even in plants, water and earth. Karma is a fine substance that sticks to the soul through harmful acts. Liberation comes through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, above all ahimsa, non-harm. Monks and nuns take five great vows; Digambara monks renounce even clothing. Jains revere 24 Tirthankaras ('ford-makers'), the last being Mahavira.
Why it matters
Its uncompromising ahimsa influenced Gandhi's nonviolence and Indian vegetarianism. There are only about 4.5 million Jains, mostly in India, yet they are prominent in business, such as the diamond trade.
Sources and history
Jain scriptures (Agamas), written down around AD 450 at Valabhi; early inscriptions such as King Kharavela's; Buddhist texts that name Mahavira, as 'Nigantha Nataputta', a rival teacher.
Questions and debates
Whether the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha (c. 800 BC), was a historical person, as many scholars think, is debated; the answer bears on how old Jainism really is.
Inside this (2)
Connections (2)
▸Mahavira reformed JainismMostly agreed by scholars
The connection
Jains teach that Mahavira was the 24th and last Tirthankara of our age, renewing an eternal faith last taught by Parshvanatha. After 12 years of severe asceticism he attained omniscience and organized monks, nuns and lay followers into the community that became today's Jainism. Scholars often treat him as its effective founder.
When and where
Magadha, in today's Bihar, India, c. 6th–5th century BC; born near Vaishali and died at Pava.
How do we know?
Buddhist texts name him, as 'Nigantha Nataputta', a rival of the Buddha, confirming he was real; Jain scriptures record his life and teachings.
Questions and debates
Whether he founded Jainism or reformed an older order; scholars often place him about 60 years later than Jain tradition does.
▸Jainism shares belief in Karma and rebirth (samsara)Mostly agreed by scholars
The connection
Jains share the Indian belief in karma and rebirth but give it a physical form: karma is fine, sticky matter that clings to the soul through actions, especially harmful ones, and weighs it down into new births. Strict nonviolence and fasting block new karma and burn off old, freeing the soul.
When and where
The Ganges plain, c. 6th–5th century BC, the same setting as the Buddha and the later Upanishads; systematized in the Tattvartha Sutra (c. AD 200–450).
How do we know?
Jain scriptures and the Tattvartha Sutra describe karma in detail; early Buddhist texts criticize Jain views, confirming they were already current.
Questions and debates
Whether Jains or Upanishadic thinkers developed karma theory first, or both drew on a shared culture of wandering ascetics, is debated.