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What is Jainism? A Simple Beginner’s Guide to Jain Religion

Jainism is one of the oldest religions in the world and began in ancient India more than 2,500 years ago. It teaches people to live peacefully, avoid harming others, and control desires to achieve inner happiness and spiritual freedom. Even today, millions of people follow Jainism, especially in India. Jainism is known for its strong message of non-violence, kindness, honesty, and simple living.

Who Founded Jainism?

Jainism was not created by one single person. It was shaped by spiritual teachers called Tirthankaras. There are 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism. The last and most famous Tirthankara was Mahavira, who spread the teachings of Jainism around 500 BCE. Another important figure is Parshvanatha.

Main Beliefs of Jainism: 


1. Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The most important principle in Jainism is Ahimsa, which means not hurting any living being — humans, animals, insects, or even plants unnecessarily. This is why many Jains follow a vegetarian diet and avoid violence in daily life.

2. Truth (Satya): Jains believe in always speaking the truth and avoiding lies that may hurt others.
3. Non-Stealing (Asteya): Taking something that does not belong to you is considered wrong in Jainism.
4. Simple Living (Aparigraha): Jainism teaches people to avoid greed and attachment to material things. Happiness comes from peace of mind, not from collecting wealth.
5. Self-Control: Followers of Jainism practice discipline through meditation, fasting, and controlling anger, ego, and desires.

What Jains do not Eat?



  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Root vegetables like potatoes
  • Eating after sunset
This is done to reduce harm to living organisms.

What do Jains eat?
  • Dal
  • Roti
  • Rice
  • Khakhra
  • Dry vegetable dishes
  • Jain versions of popular Indian foods
Important Jain Symbols
  • Ahimsa hand symbol
  • Swastika
  • Three dots representing right faith, knowledge, and conduct
Jain Festivals:
  • Paryushana — A festival of forgiveness, fasting, and self-reflection
  • Mahavir Jayanti — Birth celebration of Mahavira
  • Diwali — Also important in Jainism because Mahavira attained nirvana on this day
Why is Jainism Unique?
  • Peace
  • Compassion
  • Non-violence
  • Respect for all living beings
  • Spiritual growth

Jainism is not just a religion it is a way of life based on kindness, discipline, and peace. Even beginners can learn valuable lessons from Jain teachings and apply them in everyday life. Whether it is practicing non-violence, speaking kindly, or living simply, Jainism teaches us how to create a more peaceful world.

Jainism is not just about rules and teachings it is also filled with inspiring stories that teach kindness, courage, and peace. At the end of every blog in this series, we will travel back in time and follow the journey of young Mahavira a little prince whose gentle heart changed the world forever.

So before you leave…
let me tell you a small story. 🌸

Episode 1 — Young Mahavir and the Tiny Bird

Long ago, in the beautiful kingdom of Kundagrama, there lived a young prince named Mahavira. But unlike other princes, Mahavir did not enjoy hunting, fighting, or showing power. Even as a small child, his heart was filled with kindness. One golden morning, young Mahavir was walking through the royal gardens. Birds chirped softly while butterflies danced around flowers. Suddenly—“Help! Help!”



A tiny bird fluttered helplessly near a bush. Mahavir rushed toward the sound and saw the little bird trapped in a hunter’s net. Its wings trembled with fear.

The young prince carefully knelt down.

“Do not be afraid,” he whispered gently.

Very slowly, Mahavir untangled the strings one by one so the bird would not get hurt. The tiny creature rested quietly in his warm hands, as if it somehow knew it was safe. Just then, one of the palace guards arrived.



“Prince Mahavir!” he laughed. “Why waste your time on such a small bird? It is only an animal.” Mahavir looked at the frightened bird and softly replied,

“Big or small, every life wishes to live happily. Its pain is no smaller than ours.”



The guard fell silent.

Mahavir then opened his palms toward the sky.

For a moment, the little bird stayed there… then fluttered away freely into the sunlight.



Young Mahavir smiled peacefully.

That day, the prince understood something important:
True strength is not in hurting others.
True strength is in protecting them.

And slowly, the seeds of Ahimsa — non-violence began growing in his heart.

🌸 What We Learn From This Story

  • Kindness is true courage
  • Every life matters
  • Even small acts of compassion can change the world

✨ To Be Continued…

But this was only the beginning…

One day, young Mahavir would face something much scarier than a trapped bird — a wild serpent in the forest.

Would fear win?
Or would compassion win again?

🌿 Continue reading in the next blog:

“Young Mahavir and the Angry Serpent”

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