Read Gandhi's words about the power of non-violence and how he developed this belief. A comprehensive site about Mahatma Gandhi Photo of Mahatma Gandhi from: http://mkghandi.org

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Martin Luther King Jr. in 1964 amid the struggle for Civil Rights. In this speech he talks about the power of non-violence, his debt to the example set by the people in India and his optimism for the future. Photo of Martin luther King Jr. From: blacklooks.org/2008/04/martin_luther_king_jr.html

Explore the origins, beliefs and ideology of one of the world's oldest religions. Image from www.success.co.il/

"It is a belief, mentioned in Jain scriptures, that it is only the soul who earns the pious bond of the Tirthankar-nam-karma through a very high level of penance and meditation, can attain the status of Tirthankar." Text and image from: jainworld.org

What do practicing Jains eat? Visit this site to learn about their vegetarian philosophy of eating and find a yummy sounding recipe for coconut curry. Photo from eatindianfood.com

"At the core of Jainism is a doctrine which prohibits killing, violence or injury to any living thing. Certain Jain monks and nuns demonstrate this reverence for all life by wearing cloth masks over their faces to prevent them from accidentally inhaling tiny flying insects and sweeping the ground in front of them to avoid crushing any living organism under their feet" Follow the link below for more information about Jain monasticism Photo: religionfacts.com

The concept of reincarnation- the idea that one's soul passes from one mortal shell to another, is a fundamental tenant in many Eastern religions. There is also a level of control over what type of existence one will receive in their next life-form based upon their actions, deeds and thoughts in this life. Artwork: India, Gujarat or Rajasthan, South Asia Eleven Folios and Two Covers from Various Jain Manuscripts 15th-18th century, covers late 19th century

Take this internet quiz and see what the answers reveal about your beliefs. Photo from: beliefnet.com

Read about Karmic theory and answer, 'What is Karma?' Image from: buddhanet.net

Mahavir Jayanti, Jain festival: "Mahavira's birthday is on the 13th day of the month of Caitra in the Indian calendar, which falls in late March or early April. Mahavira's auspicious birth (kalnayaka) is observed by both Jain sects, the Digambaras ('sky clad' or naked) and Svetambaras ('white clad' or clothed). and in India images of Mahavira are paraded in the streets with much pomp and celebration." In 2010, Mahavira's birthday will fall on March 28, follow the link to the Victoria and Albert Museum website where you can learn about other Jain holy days. Photo: theholidayspot.com

Jain art can be viewed at LACMA online by following the link below. India, Bihar, Shahabad District, South Asia The Jain Goddess Ambika 6th-7th century Sculpture; Stone, Sandstone 27 x 18 x 10 in. Purchased with funds provided by Robert H. Ellsworth in honor of Dr. Pratapaditya Pal (M.90.165) Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Explore LACMA's collections online for images of Kalpasutra manuscript illustrations produced in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. India, Gujarat or Rajasthan, South Asia Kalpasutra (Book of Sacred Precepts) Manuscript 1475-1500 Book/manuscript/album; Watercolor, Folios: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper; Covers: silk brocade, Image: 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. each From the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Museum Associates Purchase (M.72.53.16) Los Angeles County Museum of Art

"While manuscript illustrations are certainly the best-known Jain paintings to audiences outside India, there is also an extensive Jain tradition of larger paintings, from album-size to monumental paintings on cloth. The most spectacular of these are the cosmological paintings depicting the structure of the Jain universe" Jain cosmological mandala as a plan of Jambudvipa 19th century Gujarat, western India Gouache on cloth Museum no. Circ.91-1970 Victoria and Albert Museum

"Veneration of the 24 Jinas is the most significant devotional focus in Jainism. These perfected-beings serve as role models to guide the faithful on the proper path to liberation from the endless cycles of rebirth. While all are revered as great teachers, four of the Jinas occupy the most exalted positions and have received particular attention in textual and artistic portrayals" Rishabhanatha Sculpture Uttar Pradesh, northern India 9th century Sandstone Museum no. IS.12-1996 Victoria and Albert Museum

India, Gujarat, Broach, South Asia Jain Altarpiece with Parshvanatha, Shantinatha, and Vasupujiya Sculpture; Metal, Gilt copper inlaid with silver and gemstones 14 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. (36.83 x 29.21 cm) Gift of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Klejman of New York (M.71.26.38) Los Angeles County Museum of Art

This site describes one Jain spiritual teacher's recommendations for beginning meditation practice. There are numerous approaches to meditation as practiced by Jain believers. Image from: wiccantogether.ning.com

Read about a recent convention at the new Jain Center in Buena Park, California. This is a modern equivalent of the monumental building projects undertaken in India. With a price tag of $20 million, imagine the amount of good karma produced! Image from IndiaJournal.com

The ornate, elaborately carved Jain Temples on Mount Abu date from 1032 B.C. Photo of Dilwara Temples at Mount Abu, Rajasthan From: http://www.templenet.com/abu.html

Find Jain temples in the United States! Photo: jaincenter.net

Find out how many official languages India has or how old the civilization is by following this link. Image of Ramanatha Sami Temple in India From: http://www.indiaandindians.com/images/india_top1_03.gif