Mahavira (Vardhamana)
~599–~527 BCE · Indian (Bihar) · Ancient India
Known for: Founded Jainism — the most radically nonviolent religion in history, where even breathing might harm microscopic life
Mahavira (the 'Great Hero') was the 24th and last Tirthankara (ford-maker) of Jainism — the spiritual teacher who revived and systematized Jain philosophy. Like the Buddha (his approximate contemporary), he was born a prince, renounced wealth, practiced extreme asceticism for 12 years, and achieved kevala jnana (omniscience).
Jainism's core principle of ahimsa (non-violence) extends to all living beings, including insects and microorganisms. Jain monks sweep the ground before walking and wear cloth over their mouths to avoid accidentally inhaling insects. There are approximately 4-5 million Jains today, mostly in India.
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