Origin & Founders

1. Jainism was propagated by 24 Tirthankaras.
2. The first Tirthankara was Rishabhanatha.
3. The 23rd Tirthankara was Parshvanatha.
4. The 24th and last Tirthankara was Mahavira.
5. Mahavira was born in 599 BCE.
6. His birthplace was Kundagrama.
7. Mahavira belonged to the Kshatriya clan.
8. His father was Siddhartha.
9. His mother was Trishala.
10. Mahavira was associated with the Licchavi.
11. Mahavira was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha.
12. At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced worldly life.
13. Mahavira practiced severe austerities for 12 years.
14. He attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) after penance.
15. This enlightenment occurred near Jrimbhikagrama.
16. Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pavapuri.
17. His death occurred in 527 BCE.
18. Jainism became prominent in eastern India.
19. Early Jainism spread mainly in Magadha and Videha regions.
20. Jain monks were known as Shramanas.

Core Teachings

21. The central teaching of Jainism is Ahimsa (non-violence).
22. Jainism emphasizes complete non-violence toward all living beings.
23. Jain philosophy teaches Anekantavada (many-sided truth).
24. Another doctrine is Syadvada (theory of conditional predication).
25. The ultimate goal of Jainism is Moksha (liberation).
26. Moksha means freedom from the cycle of birth and death.
27. Jainism emphasizes self-discipline and asceticism.
28. Karma plays a central role in Jain philosophy.
29. Liberation is achieved by removing karmic bonds.
30. Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas.
31. Jainism does not believe in a creator god.
32. The soul in Jainism is called Jiva.
33. Non-living matter is called Ajiva.
34. Jain philosophy divides reality into Jiva and Ajiva.
35. Jain ethics stress truth and moral conduct.
36. Jain monks practice extreme austerity.
37. Meditation and penance are important practices.
38. Jainism advocates vegetarianism.
39. Lay followers are called Shravakas.
40. Female followers are called Shravikas.

Five Great Vows

41. Jain monks follow Five Great Vows (Mahavratas).
42. The first vow is Ahimsa (non-violence).
43. The second vow is Satya (truth).
44. The third vow is Asteya (non-stealing).
45. The fourth vow is Brahmacharya (celibacy).
46. The fifth vow is Aparigraha (non-possession).
47. These vows guide ethical conduct in Jainism.
48. Lay followers follow less strict versions of these vows.
49. Mahavira added Brahmacharya as a new vow.
50. Earlier Tirthankara Parshvanatha taught four vows.
51. Jain monks carry a broom to avoid harming insects.
52. Some Jain monks wear masks to avoid killing microorganisms.
53. Fasting is an important Jain practice.
54. Sallekhana is a ritual fast unto death.
55. Sallekhana is considered a spiritual act of purification.
56. Jainism emphasizes detachment from worldly possessions.
57. Jain monks travel on foot.
58. Jainism promotes compassion for all living beings.
59. Jain philosophy encourages strict self-control.
60. Asceticism is a key feature of Jain religious life.

Jain Literature & Councils

61. Jain religious texts are called Agamas.
62. Jain scriptures were originally transmitted orally.
63. Jain texts were written mainly in Prakrit language.
64. The First Jain Council was held at Pataliputra.
65. It was organized under Sthulabhadra.
66. The Second Jain Council was held at Vallabhi.
67. Jain scriptures were compiled at Vallabhi.
68. Jain literature includes Kalpa Sutra.
69. The Kalpa Sutra describes the lives of Tirthankaras.
70. Jain texts also include Acharanga Sutra.
71. Jain monks preserved teachings through monastic traditions.
72. Jainism developed rich philosophical literature.
73. Jain scholars contributed to Indian logic and philosophy.
74. Jain literature influenced Prakrit and Sanskrit traditions.
75. Jain monks played a role in education and scholarship.
76. Jain libraries preserved ancient manuscripts.
77. Jain texts discuss ethics and cosmology.
78. Jain literature includes biographies of Tirthankaras.
79. Jain scholars influenced Indian intellectual history.
80. Jain philosophy remains an important part of Indian thought.

Sects & Spread

81. Jainism later divided into two major sects.
82. The first sect is Digambara.
83. The second sect is Svetambara.
84. Digambara monks practice complete nudity.
85. Svetambara monks wear white robes.
86. Digambaras believe women cannot attain liberation directly.
87. Svetambaras allow women to achieve liberation.
88. Jainism spread widely in western and southern India.
89. Important Jain centers developed in Gujarat.
90. Jainism also flourished in Karnataka.
91. The famous Jain monument is Shravanabelagola.
92. It houses the statue of Bahubali.
93. Jain rulers patronized temples and monasteries.
94. Jain merchants supported the spread of the religion.
95. Jainism influenced Indian art and architecture.
96. Jain temples are known for intricate marble carvings.
97. Jainism promoted vegetarian culture in India.
98. Jain ethical values influenced Indian society.
99. Jain communities contributed to trade and commerce.
100. Today Jainism remains an important minority religion in India.