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JainismOne of the oldest religious traditions of India, Jainism has existed side byside with Hinduism throughout its long history. With fewer than 5 millionadherents and comprising less than 1% the Indian population, Jainism hasdemonstrated a remarkable tenacity and endurance and continues to exertan influence far beyond its small numbers.

Jainism is a religion of extreme legalism, for one attains his own salvationonly through the path of asceticism (rigid self-denial). There is no freedomin this religion, only rules, primarily the Five Great Vows, the renunciationof:

1. Ahimsa - Non-Violence :We do harm and violence to living-beings for the sustenance of our body. We cannotlive without killing living beings. Even our breathing involves violence. Therefore, wehave to restrict our violence to utmost and absolutely necessary. Therefore, meat-eating, hunting, fishing etc. are forbidden. The strength of non-violence is the light of intellectual discretion and mental purity. And with this strength, world of humanbeings can become rich in friendliness, sympathy, love, spirituality, happiness andbliss. Non-violence is a spiritual power.

2. Satya - Truth :Truth is an important virtue in Jainism. A True Jain cannot be a liar. To tell a lie issin. To speak the truth which is wholesome and conducive to welfare is virtue. In

Acharng Sutr, it is said; O men, understand Truth rightly. The intelligent person,who obeys the command of Truth, crosses death. That is, he becomes immortal.

3. Asteya - Non-theft :Employing unfair means of business, owning another mans property by fraudulenttricks, deceiving others by misleading them, breach of ones confidence, damagingothers interest by cunningness- all these are vicious acts of theft- directly or indirectly. Picking up of goods forgotten by others, employing thieves to getsomething for you, encouraging and prompting others to steal, approving othersacts of stealing, receiving stolen merchandise, using false weights and measures,

non-payment of tax, indulging in smuggling- all are acts of theft. Taking anythingowned by others, through injustice, dishonesty, fraud, and unfair means is an act of theft.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Jainism/index.aspxhttp://www.jainuniversity.org/PDFs/eng-lib/6.4.pdf

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Jainism/index.aspxhttp://www.jainuniversity.org/PDFs/eng-lib/6.4.pdfhttp://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Jainism/index.aspxhttp://www.jainuniversity.org/PDFs/eng-lib/6.4.pdf

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http://www.gotquestions.org/Jainism.html

4. Bramacharya - ViciousProfessions :Gambling and speculations are never considered to be an honest business. It fostersdishonesty and idleness. If someone gains in it, a number of persons are ruined.

5. Aparigraha - Limiting onespossessions :

Jain scriptures propound the vow of limiting ones possessions. Renouncingexcessive luxury, inordinate worldly pleasures as also waste of wealth in many wayscan raise the standard of morality in the society. The objective of this vow is to limitones possessions rather possessive instinct. One can live decent life in simplemeans. It is sin to keep and collect which one cannot utilize during ones lifetime.

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Jainism/index.aspxhttp://www.jainuniversity.org/PDFs/eng-lib/6.4.pdf http://www.gotquestions.org/Jainism.html

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