Jainism
in India - 0.5% of Indian population follows Jainism. It originated
with Buddhism in India in around 500 BC and was founded by Mahavira.
Much like Buddhism,
Jainism was a revolt against the cruder
sections of Brahmanic philosophy. Mahavira was a prince too much like
Buddha and came to be known as 'Jina' meaning 'the big winner'.
Jains
also believe in reincarnation and liberation and Mahavira was also not
considered as the first Prophet of his religion. However,
Jainism
believes in asceticism. It identifies non-violence as one of its
doctrines that extended to non-living things such stones and sand too.
Mahavira renounced world completely and refused to dress up or eat.
The
followers of Mahavira are less strict in their diets,
though they are vegetarians and avoid hurting anything by not walking in
fields for the fear of hurting insects or covering their mouths to
filter the small invisible microbes out. They also keep out of such
professions as agriculture and martial services and prefer banking and
business.
Jains are divided in two main sects known as
'Digambaras' and 'Swetambaras'. Digambaras follow Mahavira strictly,
remain naked and thus, keep mostly to their temples. Only men follow
this sect. Swetambaras are less rigid in their routines and lifestyles
and wear white clothes. They include women too. However, both the sects
follow simplicity and keep to the minimum basic requirements of life and
traditionally eat only from sunrise to sunset.
