Although Jain monks and nuns are prohibited from creating art, Jain laypersons use their talents to produce art that reflects the Jain respect for the continuity of life.

Jainism emerged more than 2,000 years ago (around the same time as Buddhism) out of an effort to reform the Hindu religion.

Sikhism came about more recently in an effort to resolve the violent religious differences between the Hindu and Muslim populations of South Asia.

In about the 6th century B.C.E., most people in South Asia practiced an early form of Hinduism that relied heavily on animal sacrifice. They believed that the gods they worshipped would become angry if proper sacrifices were not made regularly.

Do No Harm

A memorial stone at Vaishali marks the birthplace of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.

A man called Mahavira shared these beliefs and followed an ascetic life. He gave up most comforts and spent his time meditating, eventually achieving enlightenment. He spent the next 30 years teaching his ideas, and in the end had formed the Jain religion.

The Nigrantha, or Jain monks, strive to avoid the accumulation of bad karma. In order to do this, they practice an extremely strict code of conduct. For instance, some Jain monks cover their mouths with cloth so that they will not harm bacteria when they breathe. Also, not only are they not allowed to marry, but they cannot look at or even think about members of the opposite sex.

For the Sikhs, no place on earth is more sacred than the Golden Temple in Punjab.

Jain monks give up absolutely all their possessions, keeping only what they need to survive from one day to the next. A person who frees himself or herself from all karma, rises up to heaven and exists forever in a state of bliss.

The code of conducts for non-monk Jains is less stringent. They can marry, own a few things, and even eat a little meat. But, they are still expected to have simple lifestyles and follow strict rules.

Sikhism

The Sikh warrior tradition is evident in the modern Indian Army.

A man named Nanak, born in 1469, received a vision in which he was told that both Hinduism and Islam were wrong, but that both contained elements of truth. He became a teacher, or guru, and began to preach this idea.

Guru Nanak founded a monotheistic religion. He taught that there was only one god and that everyone — Hindu and Muslim alike — should worship this being. The most important way to worship this God is to chant his name.

Through devout worship and service, a person would accumulate good karma. Eventually, one would be released from the cycle of birth and become one with God. Guru Nanak delivered a message of peace and urged his followers not to worship idols or practice severe asceticism, which he believed only distract from one's faith.

Creating the Khalsa

Family life is, and always has been, important to the lives of the Sikhs. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, encouraged women to be as equally as involved in religion and everyday life as men -- a notion that shocked both Hindus and Muslims.

In 1699, Guru Govind Singh founded a fellowship called the Khalsa. To become a member of the Khalsa, a person is baptized and takes a new last name. All men who are part of the Khalsa take the last name Singh, which means "lion." Women take the name Kaur, which means "lioness." Guru Govind Singh also ended the succession of gurus, and no official guru has had authority over Sikhism since.

Since the time of the gurus and the formation of the Khalsa, Sikhism has become a militant religion. Sikhs are known as warriors and even in modern times are a very important part of the Indian army.

From the preparations at the home to the long procession to the ceremony, the Sikh wedding is filled with joy and religious symbolism.

Today, some Sikhs want to establish their own country in South Asia. India and Pakistan bicker about which of them owns the Punjab region, but the Sikhs think it should be made into an independent country called Khalistan. Occasionally, the efforts of radical Sikhs to achieve independence have been bloody. In fact, Sikh guards, sworn to protect Indira Gandhi, the former prime minister of India, actually assassinated her over the issue.

Jainism and Sihkism, two of the many distinct religions of South Asia, both contribute to the burgeoning South Asian culture. In their efforts to harm no one and nothing, Jains have developed ideas of social and environmental consciousness with which Western readers will be familiar. And despite the violent acts of Sikh extremists in recent history, Sikh idealism and activism play an important role in the political culture of the region.

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