Main Teachings of Mahavira: -He rejected the authority of the Vedas & its associated rituals & advocated an austere & simple life. -Believed in dualistic philosophy & held that matter & soul are the only two ever existing elements. -Did not believe in the existence of God & for him Universe was a product of nature - the outcome of cause & effect. -Did not oppose Caste System & believed...

Teachings of Jainism: -Ahimsa- Non-Violence -Asteya - No Stealing -Aparigraha - No property -Satya - Truth -Brahmacharya - Celibacy (added by Mahavira) First four were the teachings of first Tirthankara - Rishab...

Varadhmana Mahavira: -Mahavira, was born Vardhamana in Kundagram (presently in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district near Vaishali) in 599 B.C in the Jnatrika Kshatriya Clan, to Siddhartha and Trisala a Lichhavi Princess. -Married to Yashoda & had a daughter, Anojja (Priyadarsana). -Became an ascetic at the age of 30 after the death of his parents. -He attained 'Kaivalya' (supreme knowledge) at...

Jainism: -Jainism has 24 Tirthankaras (Prophets). -First Tirthankara was Rishab, the founder of Jainism. -He was the father of Bharata the first Vedic king of India. -The Vishnu Purana and Bhagavat Purana describe Rishab as an incarnation of Narayana. -Parsvanatha was the 23rd Tirthankara. -Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara....

Similarities between Jainism and Buddhism: -Both were started by the Members of the Kshatriya Cast who were opposed to the Brahmainical supremacy. -Both denied the authority of Vedas and opposed animal sacrifice. -Both appealed to the socially downtrodden society such as Vaishyas and Shudras. -Both encouraged trading activities, and the first person to become their followers were trade...