Jain Yuvak Mahasangh, Pune

About Jainism

Jainism is one of the world's oldest living religions, rooted in the teachings of the Tirthankaras — enlightened spiritual teachers, the last of whom, Lord Mahavira, lived in the 6th century BCE. At its heart, Jainism is a path of self-discipline and spiritual liberation guided by three core principles known as the Ratnatraya, or the Three Jewels: Right Faith (Samyak Darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyana), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra).

The single most defining value of Jain philosophy is Ahimsa, or non-violence — not just in action, but in thought and speech, extended to all living beings. Alongside Ahimsa, Jain teaching emphasizes Anekantavada (the idea that truth and reality are complex and can be seen from many valid viewpoints) and Aparigraha (non-attachment and limiting one's possessions and desires). Together, these principles shape a way of life centered on humility, self-restraint, and respect for all forms of life.

The symbol shown in our logo is the universal emblem of Jainism, adopted by the Jain community in 1975 to mark the 2,500th anniversary of the nirvana of Lord Mahavira. Its open hand represents the message "Stop, reflect" — a call to pause violence and consider one's actions. The wheel in the palm is the Dharmachakra, symbolizing the cycle of rebirth, with the word "Ahimsa" at its center. The three dots stand for the Three Jewels, and the swastika represents the four possible states of existence in the cycle of birth and death. At the base, the Sanskrit phrase "Parasparopagraho Jivanam" — souls render service to one another — captures the spirit of mutual support that this Mahasangh strives to embody.