Jainism along with Hinduism is the most ancient religion of India. Mahavir, who lived in the 5th century BCE, was the most recent of a series of Tirthankaras, "those who make a river-crossing" or a way to liberation from suffering. The central principle of Jainism is ahimsa or nonviolence towards all living beings. Jainism accepts belief in reincarnation and karma, the results of good and evil actions.