The Jains believe in karma and in the transmigration of the soul.

1. JAINISM
Part 1
The origin of Jainism:
 Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century B.C.E. when Vardhamana Mahavira propagated
the religion.
 Jain religion is believed to have been founded by Rishabhanath who is also called Rishabhadev.
 Jains believe that there were 24 great teachers or Tirthankaras, the last of whom is Vardhamana
Mahavira.
About Mahavira:
 He was born at Kundagrama near Vaisali in 599 BCE.
 His parents were Kshatriyas. His Father was Siddhartha who was the Head of Jnatrika Clan and
his Mother Trishala who was the sister of Lichchhavi chief Chetaka.
 Chetaka’s daughter married Haryanka King Bimbisara which makes Mahavira a relative of the
Magadhan Ruler.
 Mahavira was married to Yasoda and had a daughter Anojja or Priyadarsana.
 He renounced his home and became a wandering ascetic at the age of 30.
 He went on a truth searching journey for 12 years and spend those years practicing severe
austerities, fasting and meditation.

2.  He is said to have attained perfect/infinite knowledge (kevalajnana) at the age of 42 on the banks
of the Rijupalika river.
 It is believed that through kevalajnana, he conquered misery and happiness.
 Because of this conquest, he came to be known as ‘Mahavira’ or The Great Hero or ‘Jina’ i.e, the
conqueror and his followers were known as ‘Jainas’.
 He passed away and became a Siddha (fully liberated) at the age of 72 in 527 BCE at Pavapuri
near Patna.
The ideals of Jainism:
 Jainism rejects the idea of a creator of the world (God) as well as the authority of the Vedas.
 The Jains believe in karma and in the transmigration of the soul.
 The philosophy of Jains believe that salvation or nirvana comes on getting rid of the cycle of birth
and rebirth and can be attained by leading a pure life guided by the three-fold path of right faith,
right knowledge and right conduct.
 The right conduct involves not to steal (Asteya), non-possession (Aparigraha), nonviolence
(Ahimsa), not to lie and control of the senses (Bramachary
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