| − | '''Jainism''' is an [[Atheistic]] [[religion]], and which some consider a branch of [[Hinduism]], which stresses extreme non-violence towards all life. Jainism is a [[Dharmic religion]]. Jainism was founded by [[Mahavira]], who taught self-denial and non-violence toward all forms of life. Jainism's strict rules of non-violence, non-possessiveness, chastity, non-theft, and truth<ref>http://www.angelfire.com/co/jainism/5vows.html</ref> caused it to lose popularity, but today it has over 4 million adherents worldwide. Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas, sacred scriptures of Hinduism. | + | '''Jainism''' is an [[Atheistic]] [[religion]], and which some consider (incorrectly) a branch of [[Hinduism]], which stresses extreme non-violence towards all life. Jainism is a [[Dharmic religion]]. Jainism was founded by [[Mahavira]], who taught self-denial and non-violence toward all forms of life. Jainism's strict rules of non-violence, non-possessiveness, chastity, non-theft, and truth<ref>http://www.angelfire.com/co/jainism/5vows.html</ref> caused it to lose popularity, but today it has over 4 million adherents worldwide. Jainism rejects the authority of the Vedas, sacred scriptures of Hinduism. |
| | + | Jainism and Hinduism have coexisted for thousands of years, and so there are similarities in customs and religious holidays between the religions. Furthermore, the Buddha is reverred as a holy symbol, and most Jain homes will have a Buddha figurine or picture looking over the living area in the beliefe that it will bring prosperity. |