Jainism

[ jahy-niz-uh m ]

/ ˈdʒaɪ nɪz əm /

noun

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.

Origin of Jainism

First recorded in 1855–60; Jain + -ism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for jainism

It is in this city, also, that we find a large representation of another ancient cult—Jainism.
India, Its Life and Thought|John P. Jones
The first two gradually decayed and made way for the last, although Jainism remained powerful until the tenth century.
Hinduism And Buddhism, Volume II. (of 3)|Charles Eliot
But it must be remembered that even in Jainism Buddha is only a memory.
A Tour of the Missions|Augustus Hopkins Strong
One of the leading characteristics of Jainism is its love of life, even in its lowest manifestation.
India, Its Life and Thought|John P. Jones

Jainism had a distinguished but chequered career in the south.
Hinduism and Buddhism, Vol I. (of 3)|Charles Eliot

British Dictionary definitions for jainism

Jainism

/ (ˈdʒaɪˌnɪzəm) /

noun

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

Derived forms of Jainism

Jainist, noun, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012