Jainism, a religion older than Buddhism, teaches that countless souls suffuse the universe. Whether dwelling in a rock, a pond, a bonfire, a gust of wind, a microbe, an insect, or a human, all beings desire to live. 2500 years ago, the sage Mahavira taught a way of life to protect life in all its forms, perfecting the path of nonviolence. Use this discussion as an introduction to understanding an essential aspect of this religion.