About Jainism.(The Orange County Register) From: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service | Date: September 16, 2004| Author: Pepper, Ann | COPYRIGHT 2004 Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Byline: Ann Pepper

Jains' 3,000-year-old faith has no commandments and no unconditional dogmas.

Jains believe in the equality of all souls, human to microscopic. Individuals are responsible for their own condition and conduct.

A brief glossary of Jain terms includes:

Ahimsa: The golden rule for Jains - mental, physical and verbal nonviolence. Jainism is based on compassion for all life forms.

Anekantvad: Non-absolutism or mult...