ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Jain symbols

Okay, so imagine you're playing with some building blocks. You might have some square blocks, some round balls, and maybe even some star-shaped pieces. Each shape is different, right?

Well, that's kind of like the Jain religion symbols. Jains use symbols to represent things that are important to their beliefs.

One symbol that Jains use a lot is the swastika. You may have heard of this symbol before, but it can mean different things in different cultures. In the Jain religion, the swastika represents the four types of beings that Jains believe can exist in the world: heavenly beings, human beings, hellish beings, and beings that are beyond our understanding. The swastika is also a reminder to Jains to always strive for good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.

Another important Jain symbol is the Ahimsa hand. This symbol looks like a hand with the fingers pointing upwards. This symbol represents non-violence, which is a very important concept in Jainism. Jains believe that all life is valuable and should be treated with respect and kindness. So, when Jains see the Ahimsa hand symbol, they are reminded to try to be peaceful and non-violent in their actions.

There are many other Jain symbols too, but these are just a couple of examples. Overall, Jain symbols are kind of like building blocks that can help Jains remember important beliefs and ideas, and stay connected to their religion.
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