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reach 'Moksha' (the liberation of the soul from reincarnation and suffering). This is purportedly achieved by learning discipline, thinking independently, and doing as little harm as possible. Often, those dedicated to Jainism wear simple robes and cover their faces with cloth to prevent harming small creatures by accidentally breathing them in. Brooms are carried to sweep insects out of one's path when walking, so as to avoid stepping on them. Jains avoid eating meat, and even some vegetables, for fear of the harm a more diverse diet may cause to living things.

While negative karma is created even in simple acts, how can a person expect to be able to live without guilt, or at least, relieve the guilt before they die? The religion does appear to be impossibly demanding. Some Jains who are nearing the ends of their lives approach death in a spiritual fast from eating or drinking, thus "undoing" some of the negative karma inescapably gained in life. Fasting until death, in Jainism, is called "Santhara."

By the way, Mahatma Ghandi's extreme peacefulness, asceticism, and fasting can be credited partially to the influence of Jainism. For all the above reasons, Jainism should be considered the most peaceful religion in the world.

Sources:

Buddhanet:
http:/ /www.buddhanet.net

Jainism at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Jainism

Daoism at Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Daoism

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