Jainism

[jahy-niz-uhm]

noun

1. a dualistic religion founded in the 6th century b.c. as a revolt against current Hinduism and emphasizing the perfectibility of human nature and liberation of the soul, especially through asceticism and nonviolence toward all living creatures.

Jainism

/ ˈdʒaɪˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. an ancient Hindu religion, which has its own scriptures and believes that the material world is eternal, progressing endlessly in a series of vast cycles

Other Word Forms

• Jainist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Jainism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; Jain + -ism

Example Sentences

The imagery which depicted gods, goddesses, supreme preachers and enlightened souls of three ancient religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism - was reimagined from symbolic to more recognisably deriving from human form.

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In the Indian religions of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, Ahimsa is the ethical principle of not causing harm to other living things.

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This week’s speakers and presenters will represent Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Baha’i, Hinduism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, Sikhism, Indigenous religions, paganism and other beliefs.

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The Nazi swastika is derived from an ancient hooked cross motif which remains a sacred symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

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It will not affect the use of the swastika for people observing Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

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