Jainism in India

Jainism is a non-Brahminical religion founded as a result of revolt against the Brahmanism of the 6th century BC. Jainism became a major religion under Vardhamana Mahavira was a great Kshatriya belonging to the royal families of Magadha.

He was born at Kundagrama (Vaishali), near Mauaffarpur in Bihar. At the age of 30, he became an ascetic and at the age of 42 he attained perfect knowledge-'Kaivalya'. He conquered misery and happiness and came to be known as 'Jina' (the conqueror). He died at the age of 72 in 468 BC.

Doctrine of Mahavira:

1. Attainment of Nirvana
2. Belief in Ahimsa or non-violence
3. Belief in Karma

1. Attainment of Nirvana (release from birth) through Tri-Ratna (three jewels) consisting of

(i) Right faith

(ii) Right knowledge

(iii) Right conduct

2. Belief in Ahimsa or non-violence in world, thought or deed towards all living beings.

3. Belief in Karma through denying the existence of God and dismissal or ritual