Jainism

A small community follows Jainism in Nepal. Its roots connect to trading families of Indian origin. A Jain temple in Kathmandu is the center for worship and community gathering. Nepal's Jain community has members from both of the religion's main groups, Digambara and Svetambara. They worship together there. This page will grow with more detail on the community's history, once we have checked facts to add.

Jainism has a few core ideas. Ahimsa means non-violence toward all living things — in action, speech, and thought. Many see it as the most basic value in Jainism. Anekantavada means "many-sidedness." It teaches that truth is complex and can be seen from more than one valid point of view. Aparigraha means non-attachment — letting go of things and desires. Jain teaching says the soul (jiva) gets trapped in a cycle of rebirth by karma. The soul reaches freedom (moksha) through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. Jainism has two main groups, Digambara and Svetambara. They differ in some monastic practices and ideas. This page does not treat one group as more correct than the other.

Jain teaching is passed down through Jain scripture (called the agamas), and through the example of the Tirthankaras — the religion's spiritual teachers. The most recent Tirthankara is Mahavira. Teaching also comes through community and temple life. This page will grow with more on specific texts and teachers, once we have checked facts to add.

• Jain Temple (Derasar) — used in place of "sacredPlace"
• Tirthankara — used in place of "figure"