Jainism, an ancient dharmic religion from India, prescribes a path of non-violence for all forms of living beings in this world. Its philosophy and practice relies on self effort in moving the soul on the spiritual ladder to divine consciousness.
Jainism is referred to as Jain Dharma or Shraman Dharma or the religion of Nirgantha by ancient texts. The lineage of 24 enlightened ascetics called tirthankaras culminating with Parshva (9th century BCE) and Mahavira (6th century BCE) revived Jainism.