Jainism
Jainism teaches that the path to enlightenment is through nonviolence and reducing harm to living things (including plants and animals) as much as possible. Jains believe in reincarnation determined by one's karma.
Distinctions
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Summary
The word Jain refers to a follower of the Jinas - "those who overcome." Altogether there are 24 Jinas, who are also called Tirthankaras (bridge-makers). They are regarded by the Jains as great teachers. The last of them was Mahavira, who lived in India in the fifth century BCE. The Jinas continue to be regarded as teachers whose example helps others to escape the cycles of birth and death and to achieve freedom from reincarnation. The belief in non-violence, ahimsa, is central to the Jain tradition, and Jains try to avoid violence toward humans and toward line in any other form, including animals and plants.
Jains believe that all life is closely bound up in a web of interdependence and that all aspects of life belong together and support each other.
Symbol
The upright hand represents non-violence and reassurance and is a reminder of the responsibility of every individual to act with wisdom and peace. The word ahimsa appears on the palm of the hand.
Worldwide Numbers
More than 98% of the 6.5 million Jains in the world today live in India. The two largest Jain communities outside India are in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Holy Places
There are many Jain holy sites in India connected with the lives of the Tirthankaras. The most important sites are often places where different Tirthankaras achieved enlightenment.
Holy Writings
Sources of Jain teaching include early scriptures called the Siddhanta and Anuyoga. The core Jain teaching of non-violence has had a powerful effect on Indian culture and was highlighted by the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi.
Key Links
Additional in-depth information here on Wikipedia.