Jainism (pronounced /ˈdʒaɪnɪzəm/, also called Jain Dharma) is an ancient religion of India that prescribes a path of peace and non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice rely mainly on self-effort in progressing the soul on the spiritual ladder to divine consciousness. Any soul which has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state of supreme being is called jina (Conqueror or Victor). Jainism is often referred to as Jain Dharma (जैन धर्म) or Shraman Dharma or the religion of Nirgantha by ancient texts. Jainism was revived by a lineage of 24 enlightened ascetics called tirthankaras[1] culminating with Parshva (9th century BC) and Mahavira (6th century BC).[2][3][4][5][6] In the modern world, it is a small but influential religious minority with as many as 10.2 million followers in India,[7] and successful growing immigrant communities in North America, Western Europe, the Far East, Australia and elsewhere.[8]
Jains have sustained the ancient Shraman (श्रमण) or ascetic religion and have significantly influenced other religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India. Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship and have the highest degree of literacy in India;[9][10] Jain libraries are the oldest in the country.[11]
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Bihar Times
Its tourism potential far exceeds even Rajasthan & Uttar Pradesh riding on its strength of being birth place of Sikhism, Jainism & Buddhism. ...
