Great scholars like Kartikeya, Haribhadra, Abhayadeva, Vinayvijay, Veersana, Jinasena, Gunabhadra, Hemachandra, Vasunandi etc. wrote a number of religious books. These books bear testimony to the 2000 year old Acharya tradition. The books encompass all topics from Astrology to grammar, from rhetoric to Mathematics.

The Philosophy of Jainsim:-
Jain Dharma believes in the fact, that the world is eternal i.e. it has no beginning and no end. There is no creator of this world. The world is a result of the fusion or union of the Jeeva and Ajeeva. Jain dharma refuses to believe that there is any supernatural force called God who protects or destroys the earth.

Anekanta:- It is the fundamental principle of Jainism. It means that every object has many characteristics. By making observation differently, an object can be perceived in different ways. An object can be seen as good and bad simultaneously. Anekant calls this fusion, contradictory. A person who realises this truth is neutral towards life and death, remains indifferent to change and stability, is bereft of hatred and is materialistically detached. A person who believes in Anekant perceives truth vividly and does not have any bias as such. He lives with a feeling of balance and equity. This is referred to as Syaadvaad. According to Jains, this means, with some expectation or purpose. A person possessing this quality sees the good as well as bad side in every aspect of his life.
1) Non-Violence:- Every religion has 2 forms
1) Vichar, 2) Achar.
The base of Vichara in Jainism is Syaadvaad or Anekant. The base of Achar is non-violence.

'AHIMSA PARAMO DHARMAHA'-

1. In Jainism, non-violence assumes the highest position. It says that no creature should be inflicted with pain. We should abstain from any type of violence. The saints have to follow this rule strictly but householders are given some latitude. Violence is the pain inflicted upon others due to a negligent mind, speech and body. Physical violence, is no doubt, a sin, but a violent thought is equally sinful. One should adhere by this principle strictly. Only then, there will be solace in this world.
   
   
2. Tapasya (Penance):- It is said that penance, non-violence and restraint cumulatively shall only lead to good. Internal and external penance followed by Jains are the most difficult types of penance. There are 12 types of penance laid for saints. Even the penance laid for a householder comprise of penance of the body, the speech and mind.
   
   
3. Good Conduct:- The pillar of penance is good conduct. The 5 vows that a Jain should abide by are (i) non-violence, (ii) truth, (iii) refrain from stealing, (iv) celibacy, (v) owning property. Samiti- (balanced conduct, alertness in action) They are 5 in no. 1) Erya, 2) Bhasha, 3) Aeshna, 4) Adan-Nikshepana, 5) Utsarga.
   
   1. Erya - One should not trample over small insects or creatures and thus avoid walking at night, is known as Erya Samiti.
      
   2. Bhasha - One should speak the truth, politely and with humbleness. One should abstain from words that are untruthful, control anger, hatred, ego and wickedness. This is known as Bhasha Samiti.
      
   3. Aeshna - Impeccably asking for alms is Aeshna Samiti.
      
   4. Adan Nikshepana - Lifting and keeping things properly is Adan Nikeshpana.
      
   5. Utsarga Samiti - One should discharge excreta, urine, 'Kaf' (Phlegm) etc. in such a place where it does not spread germs and does not pose a threat to others' lives. This is known as Utsarga Samiti.
      
   
   
4. Gupti - It means concealing or hiding something so that it protects someone (from danger or humiliation).
   There are 3 Guptis
   (i) Manogupti, (ii) Vachanagupti, and (iii) Kayagupti.
   
   
5. Bhavana - It means feelings and emotion that transverse the mind. They are
   (i) Maitri, (ii) Pramod, (iii) Karunya and (iv) Madhyasthya.
   
   
6. The three gems of Jainism are
   
   1. Samyak Darshan (right philosophy) - Having devotion towards the right philosophy, God, Guru or the seven elements.
      
   2. Samyak Jnana (right knowledge) - Having faith towards the right knowledge.
      
   3. Samyak Charitra (right character) - It is the foundation of the above two gems. All these three gems lead to Moksha or salvation.
      
      
7. The seven Elements -
   1. Jeeva : that which has life is known as Jeeva i.e. birds, plants etc.
   2. Ajeeva : that which is lifeless i.e. stones, wood is known as Ajeeva
   3. Asrav : it means the cause of bondage i.e. Karmas.
   4. Bandha: The bondage of the Jeeva to the Karma.
   5. Samvar : To release the bondage of the Jeeva with the Karma.
   6. Nirjara : Separation of the Jeeva from Karma.
   7. Moksha - It is freedom of the Jeeva from the bonds of Karma.
   
   
   
8. Karma (Philosophy) - A lot of emphasis has been laid on the Karmas (deeds) performed in Jainism. According to Jain belief, Karmas are the factual expressions of the soul (Atma). The soul (Atma) attains salvation if good deeds (Karmas) are performed.