At the center of the religion of Jainism is an Indian man from the 6th century BC named Mahavira. Mahavira was a contemporary of Buddha and is mentioned in some Buddhist scriptures. Jainism shares some, although not all, beliefs with Hinduism and Buddhism. There are about three million followers of Jainism in the world, mostly living in India.

Followers of Jainism, called Jains, believe that every living thing has a soul that is in some stage of reincarnation, trapped in a cycle of birth and rebirth. Jains believe that it is possible to escape this cycle and achieve moksha, or release, by following three central ideas, known as the three jewels. These three ideas are right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. Right belief refers to belief in Jainism, right knowledge to learning about Jainism, and right conduct through following Jainism.

Because, to Jains, every living thing has a soul, they attempt to harm no living thing. They avoid stepping on or breathing in insects, often even covering their nose and mouth with a cloth to avoid accidental inhalation of insects. Jains are strict vegetarians and will not eat any root vegetables, as when the root is pulled up, the whole plant dies. These are only some of the ways Jains try to show respect for all forms of life while seeking moksha.

Jains do not believe in God, a creator, or any form of supreme being. They believe the universe has no beginning or end, and no creator. People who achieve moksha, or release from the rebirth cycle, while living are called jinas, meaning "those who overcome." Mahavira is believed to be the last of 24 jinas.

Karma is also a factor in Jainism, with good deeds attracting good karmas, and bad actions attracting bad karmas. Karma is believed to affect the outcome of rebirths. When a soul attains moksha, it is released from all previous karma and rests in a state of bliss called nirvana.

Jainism emphasizes a lack of dependence on material possessions, and many Jains believe that they should have as few material possessions as possible. One order of Jain monks, the Digambaras, or "sky-clad," does not wear clothes at all, as they have renounced all possessions. All Jain monks or nuns have to take five vows: non-violence, truth-telling, not stealing, chastity, and renouncing material possessions.