The document discusses the origins and principles of Jainism. It states that Jainism emerged in India as some people disagreed with Hinduism's beliefs. Jainism was based on the teachings of Mahavira, who believed Hinduism emphasized too much on rituals. The key principles of Jainism that Mahavira emphasized were nonviolence or ahimsa, telling the truth, not stealing, and owning no property. Jains practice strict nonviolence and believe all life is sacred, making them vegetarians. The document notes several historical figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. who embraced the principle of nonviolence.

1. “Ahimsa” or Nonviolence
Social Studies for 8th E.G.B. | Teacher: Mauricio Torres

2. Groups react to Hinduism
 Although Hinduism was widely followed in India, not
everyone agreed with its beliefs.
 They searched for different religious beliefs and group such
as the Jains emerged, who believed in Jainism.

3. Jainism
 It is based on the teachings of a man named
Mahavira, who is believed to have been born
around the 600s.
 He was born and raised a Hindu, but as he
grew up, he thought Hinduism emphasized too
much on rituals.
 Instead of rituals he would emphasize on:



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Injure no life.
Tell the truth.
Do not steal.
Own no property.

4. Nonviolence
 In their efforts to injure no one or anything,
the Jains practice nonviolence
 It is the avoidance of violent actions.
 In sanskrit, this is called ahimsa.
 It is even practiced by Hindus.
 They believe that everything is alive and is
part of the rebirth cycle.
 They are very serious not injuring or killing no
living creature.
 Therefore they are vegetarians.

5. Historical examples of nonviolence
 When India wanted to become
independent from the British Empire, Gandhi
embraced Ahimsa.
 By using the power of love, he believed
people could convert, even the worst
wrongdoer to the right course of action.
 Jesus is also known to preach nonviolence,
and even as far as preaching to love your
enemies!
 Love your enemies, do good to those who
hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for
those who mistreat you. (Matt. 5:43-48, Luke
6:27-28)

6. Historical examples of nonviolence
 Martin Luther King Jr. described
nonviolent resistance as:
 “passive physically, but strongly active
spiritually; it is nonaggressive physically but
dynamically aggressive spiritually”.
 What do you think he meant by this?

7. Linking to Today
 Open your books on page 134.
 Take a look at the section called Linking to today, where
it talks about nonviolence.
 Read it, discuss it in class, and use it as a source of
information for your homework.

8. Ask Yourself
 Identify
 On whose teachings was Jainism based?
 Name some important historical figures that practiced and
preached Ahimsa, even if they never heard of it?
 Contrast
 How did Jainism differ from Hinduism?
 Do you think Christianity preaches similar ideals as Jainism?
Why or why not?
 Recall
 What are the four main teachings of Jainism?