Foundations of Jainism: Ahimsa, the Soul, and the Path to Liberation

Jainism is among the oldest continuously practiced religious traditions in human history, predating its better-known Indian counterparts in some of its core formulations. Yet it remains one of the least understood outside the communities that live it. Its central commitment — ahimsa, or non-injury to all living beings — rests on a sophisticated metaphysical framework that rewards careful study. By the end of this course you will be able to explain the Jain metaphysical framework of jiva (soul) and ajiva (non-soul), describe the central ethical principle of ahimsa and its philosophical basis, identify the role of the Tirthankaras — particularly Mahavira — in Jain religious history, explain the five great vows of ascetic practice and their lay equivalents, and place Jainism in its historical and comparative context within Indian religious thought. What you will learn: - The metaphysical foundation: what Jains mean by jiva (soul), karma as a physical substance that binds the soul, and moksha as the soul's liberation from that binding - The Twenty-Four Tirthankaras: their role as spiritual ford-makers who have achieved liberation and taught the path, with particular attention to Parsvanatha and Mahavira - Ahimsa as metaphysics, not just ethics: why all life — including insects, plants, and microorganisms — is accorded moral significance in Jain thought - The five mahavratas (great vows) of Jain asceticism: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, non-attachment — and their lay equivalents (anuvratas) - The two major Jain communities: Digambara and Shvetambara — their historical origins, doctrinal differences, and textual traditions - The Jain Agamas: the canonical scriptural tradition and debates about its authenticity within the two major sects - Anekantavada: the Jain philosophical doctrine of many-sidedness as an epistemological framework - Jainism in the contemporary world: demographic concentration, community institutions, and its influence on Gandhi's concept of non-violence The course is structured as a sequence of conceptual readings that build the Jain philosophical framework before examining historical and contemporary dimensions. Primary source excerpts in translation are used throughout. Reflection prompts ask you to engage analytically rather than merely summarize. A comparative worksheet maps Jain concepts of karma and liberation against Hindu and Buddhist equivalents to clarify what is distinctive. This course is designed for learners with no prior background in Indian religions or philosophy. It is also valuable for students of comparative religion or South Asian studies who want a substantive foundation in Jain thought. No prior knowledge is assumed.