Mainstream Jainism
Mainstream Jainism — practised by ≈4–6 million primarily in India — is a low-CLCI reference point. Centres on ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-attachment), and individual liberation through ascetic practice.
CLCI radar
BITE breakdown
0 — voluntary tradition emphasising non-violence; low-control reference point.
Profile facts
In context
Jainism's two main monastic orders (Digambara, Svetambara) maintain ancient ascetic disciplines voluntarily undertaken. Lay Jains follow a less rigorous version emphasising ethical conduct and non-violence. There is no central authority; observance is voluntary; exit cost is essentially nil.
Key control doctrines
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Aparigraha (non-attachment)
- Individual liberation through ascetic practice
This profile is in progress — history, deeper BITE evidence and survivor voices are still being added. Contributions welcome via GitHub.
Timeline
- 6th c. BCEMahavira's teaching career
- Ancient–medievalDigambara/Svetambara split
Sources
- Paul Dundas, 'The Jains' (2002) search ↗
We cite sources by name and outlet rather than fabricating links. The search ↗ link runs a Google Scholar query for the cited title — useful for verifying academic sources. For news outlets, search the outlet's own archive.