The Jainism religion is a non-Vedic indigenous religion that originated in India and is thought to be based on the teachings of twenty-four Tirthankaras ("Fordmakers"). The most influential teacher of the principles of Jainism for this age was Mahavira ("The Great Hero") who was thought to be a contemporary of the Buddha. Jain cosmology belief is that the universe is forever without beginning or end, and that it is eternally going through cycles of progress and decline. Jains prescribe to the belief that their actions influence the future of their current life and their future lives to come. Jains believe karma is minute particles of matter that are accumulated as one goes through life. Jains are extremely careful in avoiding accumulation of karma because it is thought to weigh down the soul. To avoid accumulating karma, the Jainism religion teaches three chief beliefs, Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-attachment), and Anekantwad (non-absolutism). These three ethical pillars are central to the Jainism religion.
             Ahimsa, Non-violence to All Living Things
             Ahimsa is the first principal pillar in the Jainism religion. Ahimsa is the belief in non-violence towards all living creatures. "Jains believe that every centimeter of the universe is filled with living beings, some of them minute."(Fisher, 131) Jains further believe that all of these creatures deserve to live and evolve and that to kill any living thing has negative implications to one's karma. Jains also feel that negative words and thoughts can also injure another and thus adversely affect their karma. This belief in non-violence in all forms towards all living things is paramount in the Jainism religion.
             Aparigraha, Non-attachment to All Things
             The second principal pillar in the Jainism religion is Aparigraha. Aparigraha is the belief that one should detach oneself from all your worldly things and people and cut one
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