Jainism also known as Jain Dharma, is an indian religion.

Jainism traces its spiritual ideas and

history through the succession of twenty-four tirthankaras(supreme preachers of dharma).
Jainism is a religion based on the teachings of a long line of jinas or tirthankaras of whom
Mahavira was the 24th and Rishabhanatha was the 1st, the creator of Jainism. Around 0.959% of
the population of Gujarat is Jain.

Jainism has played a very important role in the linguistic development of the country. Jain
community was smaller in size but bigger was its contributions in the field of literature. Prior to
the advent of Jainism, Sanskrit was the medium of expression Even during the same period the
Buddhists preferred Pali language.

Jainism has played a greater role in the development of artistic tradition of the country. It is true
that the Jains did not believe in the existence of God. But at the same time it created a galaxy of
deified men who were spiritually great.

To pay reverence to the souls, Jains all over the country erected several stupas. These stupas
created in the honour of their saints are valuable gems of Indian architecture.

The Symbol of Jainism primarily consists of the hand with a wheel on the palm which
symbolizes Ahimsa in Jainism. The word in the middle is "ahiṃsā" (non-violence). The wheel
represents the dharmachakra, which stands for the resolve to halt the “saṃsāra” (universe)
through the relentless pursuit of Ahimsa.

The religious teachings of Jainism includes the three guiding principles of Jainism, the 'three
jewels', are right belief, right knowledge and right conduct. These are non-violence (ahimsa);
non-attachment (aparigraha); truth (satya); not stealing (asteya); and sexual restraint
(brahmacharya), with celibacy the ideal.

The philosophy of Jainism is mainly their beliefs, which is non-violence that extends beyond
harming humans, but includes animals, plants, even micro-organisms; holding that all life is
sacred. The features of Jain philosophy are its belief in the independent existence of soul and
matter; the denial of a creative and omnipotent God, combined with a belief in an eternal
universe; and a strong emphasis on non-violence, morality, and ethics. In short, Jainism is a
transtheistic religion.

It has two-major ancient sub-traditions or sects known as Digambaras and Svetamabaras.

Digamabara (sky-clad) was formed as a result of doctrinal schism in about AD 80 and continues
today in southern parts of India. Digambara has mostly had male monks and considers males
closest to the soul's liberation. Monks of the Digambara tradition do not wear clothes. Female
monastics of the Digambara sect wear unstitched plain white sarees and are referred to as
Aryikas. Digambara did not attend the Council of Vallabhi
Svetambaras (white-clad) clothe themselves and their sacred images in white. The Śvētāmbaras
believe that women can also achieve liberation through asceticism and state that the 19th
Tirthankara Māllīnātha was female, which Digambara rejects. In the fifth-century CE, the
Council of Vallabhi was organized by Śvētāmbara. At the council, the Śvētāmbara adopted the
texts they had preserved as canonical scriptures.

This council is believed to have solidified the historic schism between these two major traditions
of Jainism. The earliest record of Digambara beliefs is contained in the Prakrit Suttapahuda of
Kundakunda.

Digambaras and Śvētāmbara differ in their practices and dress code, interpretations of teachings,
and on Jain history especially concerning the tirthankaras. Their monasticism rules differ, as
does their iconography. Śvētāmbara has had more female than male mendicants, where
Digambara has mostly had male monks and considers males closest to the soul's liberation. The
Śvētāmbaras believe that women can also achieve liberation through asceticism and state that the
19th Tirthankara Māllīnātha was female, which Digambara rejects. Early Jain images from
Mathura depict Digambara iconography until late fifth century A.D. where Svetambara
iconography starts appearing.

When summarized:

 Jainism is an indian religion, followed by many people in India.

 Jainism is transtheistic.

 Around 1% of Gujarat’s population is Jain

 It was established by Rishabhanatha, the first Jina.

 It was spread by Mahavira in about 500 BC.

 Jainism has many beliefs

 Jainism teaches the path to enlightenment through its principals.

 The Jains are divided into two major sects which are Digambara (sky-clad) and
Śvētāmbara (white-clad).

 Monks of the Digambara (sky-clad) tradition do not wear clothes.

 Śvētāmbara (white-clad) monastics, wear white clothes.

 The two sects differ a lot.