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'''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''' 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.

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 revered as a holy figure, and most Jain homes will have a Buddha figurine or picture looking over the living area in the belief that it will bring prosperity.

The swastica is also a holy symbol for Jains, but is in no way connected with the Nazi swastica.

The swastika is also a holy symbol for Jains, but is in no way connected with the Nazi [[swastika]].

==Jainism and the Mauryan Empire==

==Jainism and the Mauryan Empire==