Jainism is a religious or spiritual group of Indian origin, that began back in the 9th century BCE or maybe even before that time.  The followers of this group are called jinas.  These jinas were considered to be special and victorious human beings because they rediscovered the dharma (way to be free) and had found liberation.  The jinas believed and still do, that all life is worthy of equality and respect.  No harm should come to even the smallest creatures on earth, every action or thought has immediate consequences.  They thought that people should take great care not to hurt or in any way take advantage of anyone else.  It is the responsibility of every Jain to gather wisdom and become spiritually free.