1. Lord Mahavira

2. Vardhamana Mahavira 599-527 B.C.
Born in northern India, raised in Hindu culture
Became convinced that Hinduism was incorrect
At age 30, he became an Ascetic: he gave away all his worldly possessions and became a vegetarian

3. Began to meditate daily
At age 42, he achieved enlightenment and became a “conqueror”
Taught his methods for 30 years
At age 72, he died of “gradual fasting”

4. Jainism

5. Great Vows of a Sadhu
Ahimsa non-violence, cause no harm to any living being 
Satya speaking the truth 
Asetya not taking anything that is not given to them by the owner  
Brahmacharya complete abstinence from sex  
Aparigraha detachment from places, persons and things 

6. Ahimsa The essence of Jainism The noble art of non-violence
Extends to other people, insects, micro-organisms, the entire planet
Jains try to avoid harm to other living beings

7. Dennis Kucinich
2008 presidential candidate speaking to Jain young people in India

8. Reincarnation From Hinduism The soul is eternal, reborn over and over
May be in animal or inanimate form, everything –everything– has a soul
Only the human form can stop the cycle

9. Karma For every action, a consequence
Bad thoughts and actions in past lives lead to bad consequences in the next

10. Moksha Salvation Eliminating the effects of Karma
Achieved through meditation and right conduct

11. Symbol Adopted in 1975 2500 years after Mahavira Swastika represents
4 types of re-births,
Shape of a pinwheel
(Three dots are right Faith, Knowledge and Conduct)

12. Death of Mahavira Voluntary death by fasting
Represents complete renunciation of earthly possessions
Not seen as suicide seen as liberation

13. Cultural Impact 4 million worldwide, mostly in India
Ghandi was influenced by Ahimsa
Campaign of non-violent resistance to British rule
They refused to fight back
Martin Luthor King

14. Youtube Videos