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Jainism is one of the worlds oldest religion. Scholars now hold it to be a Prue-vedic religion having links with Indus Valley civilization. Vedas mentions the names of Jain Tirthankaras and the Shramanas proving that Jainism Prue-dates the ancient Hindu texts. According to Indologists like Robert Zydenbos, Y Masih etc. the philosophical concepts like ? Karma, Ahimsa, Moksa, Samsara ? that are considered typically Indian have Jain origins. It is documented fact that Vedics, engaged in rituals and sacrifices, were not aware of Ahimsa and Karma and borrowed the terms from the ancient Shramanas and incorporated it into their vedantas and Upanisads.
To understand Jain Philosophy check the following link ?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain_philosophy
Jainism holds that truth is multi-facted and no one philosophy can stake claim over the truth. Jainism holds that other philosophies other than Jainism are right in their own right way and it is possible to attain heavens and even salvation by members of other religions. As such Jainism does not have concept of Kafirs, pagans, heretics or nastikas. To understand the inclusive and relativistic approach of Jainism, check out the following link:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anekantavada
To understand the Jain concept of Ahimsa and non-violence check out this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa_in_Jainism
Also check out the following link to check the Jain concept of Karma:-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karma_in_Jainism
Jainism is a scientific religion and does not believe in ?Creator God?. However it does believe in Godhood of all souls. To check the Jaina belief of non-creationism, check out this link :-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism_and_non-creationism
Thanks
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