However, the Oxford Handbook of Global Religions states that the census may be inaccurate and the number provided may be lower than the actual Jain population, as many Jains s identify as Hindu. Jainism is a non-theistic religion founded in the 6th century BC by Vardhamana Mahavira. Jainism is based on concern for the well-being of every living being in the universe. That being said, Jains believe that all plants and animals have souls and should be treated with respect and compassion. Jains believe in reincarnation and hope to achieve liberation from the ongoing cycle of birth, death and rebirth so that the immortal soul can live forever in a state of bliss. This liberation is obtained by the elimination of all karma from the soul. There are five vows that Jains must follow to eliminate karma from their jiva (soul); these are ashima, satya, asteya, aparigraha and