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referring, not only to human beings, but, to all forms of life in the universe including animals, earth, water, fire, air, and trees. He preached to love and help one another and to live a life that allows all elements of nature to remain in peace and harmony without fear. This is the central theme governing Jain philosophy. Mahavir continued to preach until he reached Nirvana (death with out rebirth) at the age of 72 and became Siddha (liberated soul).
There are about 10 million Jains worldwide today. Present estimates indicate that there are about 100,000 Jains in North America and a similar number in Europe. MAJOR BELIEFS | PHILOSOPHIES: NON-VIOLENCE:
Ahimsa (non-violence and non-injury towards all living beings) is the cornerstone of Jainism. "Ahimsa Parmo Dharma” means non-violence is the supreme religion and refers to non-violence in all of its forms (mental, verbal and physical.) A strict vegetarian diet is the result of this belief. GOD:
The concept of God in the Jain religion is different from most other religions. God is neither a creator nor destroyer of the universe. The universe is eternal. God is merely a silent observer and omniscient. He does not punish or reward. Godhood is a state of liberated soul. Every individual soul is potentially a god and can attain Godhood by making supreme efforts to shed Karmic particles attached to the soul through a process called Nirjara. Once a soul sheds all of its Karma (good as well as bad) it becomes Sidhha. In this sense there are an infinite number of gods. Sidhhas do not have a name. Siddhas are prayed collectively for their qualities and not by any individual name.
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