Jainism
An ancient Indian tradition centered on ahimsa: non-violence toward every living being.
Shaped by Mahavira in the 6th century BCE, the last of 24 teachers (Tirthankaras).
Core ideas
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Anekantavada: truth has many sides
- Aparigraha: non-attachment
Common practices
- Vegetarian diet
- Meditation
- Temple worship
- Fasting
US Jain centers are community hubs that welcome respectful visitors.
Sacred texts
All traditions' scriptures →Jain scripture preserves the teachings of Mahavira and the earlier Tirthankaras. The two main communities, Śvetāmbara and Digambara, accept different sets of texts, but both honor the Tattvartha Sutra.
Agamas
Original language: Ardhamagadhi Prakrit
Śvetāmbara Jains keep a canon of Agamas compiled from Mahavira's teaching; the Kalpa Sutra is read aloud during Paryushan. Digambara Jains hold that the original Agamas were lost and study later works such as the Shatkhandagama.
Tattvartha Sutra
Original language: Sanskrit
Umaswati's short summary of Jain philosophy, accepted by every Jain tradition and a common first text to study.
Read free online or in an app
- Wisdom Library · Free Tattvartha Sutra in English with commentary.
- JainQQ · Free online library of Jain texts and translations.
- Jainpedia · Free introductions to Jain texts, history and practice.
Visiting a local community
Jain center
Temples and community centers with worship, classes and festivals like Paryushana.
Beliefs: Every soul can reach liberation through right faith, knowledge and conduct.
Worship: Personal worship before images of the Tirthankaras, group prayers and lectures.
On a first visit
- Remove shoes; leather items and food aren't brought inside.