Jain

A focus on the book and God makes a religion conclusive, exclusionary and separative. In these three ways, the Indic notion of dharma is very different from the notion of religion.

Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most important holidays for Jains around the world and the birthday of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Thirthankar of Jainism.

When I meet people who have not heard of Jainism, or who assume it is an obscure branch of Hinduism, it frustrates me. Honestly though, until a few years ago, I barely knew the difference myself.

Khamemi savve jive Savve jiva khamantu me Mitti me savve bhuesu Veram majaham na kenai I ask for forgiveness from all living beings; May all living beings grant me forgiveness. My friendship is with all living beings; I have hostility towards none.

In this holy place beats the heart of an ancient civilization.

Here are two lessons from the core of Mahavir's teachings that we can all learn from, and who knows, perhaps even find room to apply them in our lives.