Living

The essence of Jainism is concern for the welfare of every being in the universe and for the health of the universe itself.

Jains believe that animals and plants, as well as human beings, contain living souls.

Each of these souls, whatever species it may be in, is considered of equal value and should be treated with respect and compassion.

All articles

Ahimsa

The most central Jain teaching, and the heart of Jain ethics, is that of ahimsa (non-violence). Jains believe that the only way to save one's own soul is to protect every other soul.

Aparigraha

Aparigraha is the belief that possessions are an obstacle to liberation. Jain monks have virtually no possessions, while lay Jains try to minimise their possessions.

Brahmacarya

Jains believe chaste living or brahmacarya is important because sexual indulgence gets in the way of the road to liberation.

Satya and asteya

Satya and asteya are Jain vows that promote honesty and trust.

The lay Jain code

The code of conduct for lay (non-monastic) Jains is stricter than that of many faiths, but not as strict as the code adopted by Jain monks and nuns.