Jainism is an ancient spiritual tradition that originated in India, centered on the teachings of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara, who lived in the 6th century BCE. Jainism emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and asceticism as essential principles for spiritual development. Followers believe in the importance of self-discipline, meditation, and the pursuit of knowledge to achieve liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).