What exactly is Jainism?

I've seen the religion mention is passing in books and some pictures. It looks almost like Buddhism.

Kinda Hinduism, partly Buddhist, mystical Asian "God is there but he isn't important as the spiritual journey" kinda religion.

"It is the humanistic religion of Hinduism, believing in a salvation by works. It is also gnostic in its outlook, believing everything in the universe to be eternal and composed of either living or non-living matter. Everything living possess a soul. Karma ties the living portion to the non-living portion. Salvation is the release of the soul from its non-living parasite. This also releases the soul from its existing karma.

The three crowns of Jainism are:

Right knowledge ? that is, a proper understanding of Jainism philosophy
Right faith ? believing the Jainism scriptures
Right conduct ? involving many things, but primarily non injury and asceticism

The concept of non injury has become the best known mark of this religion. Jain monks will go out of their way so as not to injure the smallest insect.

Jainism is egocentric and there is no concept of grace or mercy. It is a religion of ritual rather than relationships."

Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma (A A), is one of the oldest religions in the world[citation needed]. It is a religion and philosophy originating in ancient India. The Jains follow the teachings of the 24 Jinas (conquerors) who are also known as Tirthankars. The 24Th Tirthankar, Lord Mahavira lived in ca. 6Th century BC. One of the main characteristics of Jain belief is the emphasis on the immediate consequences of ones behavior.

Jains are a small but influential religious minority with at least 4.2 million practitioners in modern India and more in growing immigrant communities in the United States, Western Europe, the Far East and elsewhere. Jains continue to sustain the ancient Shraman (?????) or ascetic tradition.

Jains have significantly influenced the religious, ethical, political and economic spheres in India for over two millennia. Jainism stresses spiritual independence and equality of all life with particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control (????, vratae) is vital for attaining omniscience (kevala jnana) and eventually moksha, or realization of the soul's true nature.

A Jain is a follower of the Jina, or spiritual victor. Per ancient and contemporary usage, as well as dictionary definitions, a follower of Jain Dharma, or Jainism, is called a Jain. The term Jainist which is found on some internet websites is not used in either literature or common parlance.

Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship. The Jain community is the most literate religious community in India, and the Jain libraries are India's oldest.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism
http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~malaiya/jainhlinks.html
http://www.jainism.org/
http://www.religioustolerance.org/jainism.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/jainism/
http://www.religionfacts.com/jainism/index.htm
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/jainism/jainindex.htm
http://www.sacred-texts.com/jai/index.htm
http://www.jainworld.com/
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/80/story_8048_1.html

Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma (A A), is one of the oldest religions in the world

Jainism stresses spiritual independence and equality of all life with particular emphasis on non-violence. Self-control is vital for attaining omniscience and eventually Misha, or realization of the soul's true nature.