Existing Jainism

Jainism has always been a minority in India, yet they are the most peaceful and loving of the Indian religions and indeed, world religions. Jainism’s greatest belief is nonviolence toward every living thing, including the individual himself. The religion has surprising not altered much through the years, yet still holds many similar ties to neighboring religions. 

Scholars have differing opinions about when the religion first came into being. The majority believe that is sprang up with a man known as Mahavira, which means The Great Hero. He lived around 500 B.C.E. and during his early adult hood decided to give up all earthy things to gain a true enlightenment. Everything includes clothing and most food. He spent the rest of his life teaching people his belief’s and taking time to explore more through fasts and meditations. When he believed his life work done, he completed the final fast and starved himself to death. He gained many followers, especially those who wanted to not be bound by the caste system which was not a part of Jainism. All men were equal in the journey to self completion. 

According to Erickson Jainism “has prehistoric origins dating before 3000 BC, and before the beginning of Indo-Aryan culture” though this has not been reinforced by others. It may be true as far as most religions have similarities and ties to ancient traditions and religions that have since died out in the modern age. Just like every culture and people that has come about, so religions borrow or spark similarities with others from the past.