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Protecting the lives of all living beings is also said to be the religion.
From ethics view point, Jains say that the supreme religion / Dharma as:
That which is Nonviolence (Ahimsa), self restraint (Sanyam) and austerity (Tapa) is Dharma (spiritual values). It is by virtue of spiritual values that supreme beneficence results. To him whose mind is absorbed in spiritual values even gods (heavenly beings) bow down to their feet.
Nonviolence will be discussed in details later.
Self restraint implies exercising restraint and carefulness in all our activities keeping in view the objective 'maximize Ahimsa' in any activity we undertake i.e. controlling sensual inclinations.
Austerities imply strenuous effort to purify the impurities associated with our soul/self. Austerities put lot of stress on observance of fast and control on the palate; developing humility, repentance, study of scriptures and meditation. Jainmunis are called Shramanas or ascetics also.
Using again the metaphor of Ahimsa as a flawless boat sailing smoothly on the water to help us cross transmigration cycle, it is obvious that as soon as Himsa is committed, the boat gets a hole in its bottom and water starts leaking in and accumulating thus sinking the boat. As soon as Sanyam is applied, the occurrence and magnitude of Himsa is reduced, the hole starts becoming smaller and less and less water seeps in. With further restraints (we can imagine applying the brakes fully), the hole in the boat is completely plugged and no more water leaks in. The accumulated water is thrown out of the boat observing Tapa (austerities/penance).
Jainism promotes four cardinal principles mentioned below along with self effort to achieve one's objective.
Pg.232 Gandhi & Jainism
