Jainismo

Introduction
There are many weird types of religions all over the world. And many people doesn’t know about them, their costumes, beliefs or history. It’s very difficult to meet these unknown andodd types of religion so that’s why, today we’re going to explain some important details of one of them, Jainism.

History
Jainism is an Indian religion that believes in non-violence andasceticism. It began in the sixth century BC, the same time that Buddhism started. Jains believe that 24 historical figures have lived and taught Jain truths in this age. Of these figures, calledTirthankaras, only the last two can be historically verified with any confidence. The 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha, is thought to have lived in the 7th century and founded a Jain community based on renunciationof the world.
Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara to appear in this age, is usually regarded as the founder of Jainism. He is traditionally thought to have lived from 599 to 527 BC, but somescholars believe he was a contemporary of the Buddha in the early 5th century BC.
Like the Buddha, Mahavira was born into the warrior class. At the age of 30, he renounced the world to seek spiritualtruth in ascetic solitude. He found enlightenment after 13 years of renunciation, and soon made 11 converts. All were former Brahmans and became disciples of Mahavira. Mahavira is said to have fasted todeath (a practice called salekhana) at Pavapure (near modern Patna).


Life's Purpose
For Jains, the purpose of life is to attain moksa, or release, from the cycle of rebirth. There are fivelevels on the path of human development:
• Sadhus (monks) and sadhvis (nuns)
• Upadhyayas (teachers of the Jain scriptures)
• Acharyas (spiritual leaders)
• Siddhas (liberated souls)
• Arihantas(liberated souls who have attained salvation; both Ordinary and Tirthankar)

Beliefs
Jain beliefs are related with Hinduism, but there are many differences between the two Indian religions.

Jain...