Jainism
Jainism is an ancient Indian religion emphasizing nonviolence, truth, and asceticism, tracing its teachings to a line of enlightened teachers known as Tirthankaras.
Jain tradition holds that its teachings were revealed by a succession of 24 Tirthankaras, or spiritual guides, the most recent being Mahavira, who lived in India around the 6th century BCE and is often regarded as the tradition's central historical figure.
Central to Jain philosophy is the principle of ahimsa, or nonviolence, extended so thoroughly that many observant Jains practice strict vegetarianism and take great care to avoid harming even the smallest living creatures.
Jain monks and nuns often follow especially austere and disciplined lifestyles as part of their pursuit of spiritual liberation, and today Jainism has several million adherents, primarily in India, with communities also established worldwide.
