“Ten Virtues Treasure Hunt: Jainism’s Das Lakshana” introduces children to one of the world’s oldest faiths, Jainism, and its ten shining virtues that guide millions toward peace and kindness. Through storytelling, imagination, games, and interfaith connections, listeners explore the value of non-violence, the practice of honesty, and the power of forgiveness.

Suggested Uses:

Classroom Listening and Discussion: Use this episode to introduce Indian religions, world philosophies, or values education. Pause after the “Choose the Jain Virtue” game or Friendship Bridge to spark small group conversations.

Homeschool Unit on World Beliefs and Ethics: Pair with geography (map India), social studies, or character education. Use it as a launchpad for research on Jainism, ahimsa (non-violence), or festivals like Das Lakshana and Paryushana.

Faith Literacy and Diversity Lessons: Connect Jain virtues to other traditions that honor compassion, generosity, and truth-telling, such as Buddhist compassion, Christian forgiveness, Islamic zakat, or Indigenous teachings about community and balance.

Storytelling and Critical Thinking Practice: The tale of Mahavira and the Angry Snake can spark discussions about handling anger, responding with peace, and how stories carry values across generations. Ask questions like, “What virtue would have helped you in a hard situation this week?”

Extension Activities:

• Virtue Quest Hero Challenge: Print or make your own virtue cards and complete one each day, tracking progress with stickers or a chart.
• Create a Kindness Treasure Map: Draw a map and place a “treasure” (virtue) at each stop, adding examples of how to practice it in daily life.
• Build a Belief Backpack: Make a simple paper backpack where children can “pack” slips of paper with virtues they practiced that week.
• Act Out the Virtues: Role-play everyday scenarios to reinforce the values through play.

Bonus Tip:
Because Jainism is less well known, this episode is a rare opportunity for children to learn about a tradition centered on peace and respect for all life. It’s a powerful addition to world religions units, values-based curricula, or diversity education. By linking Jain values to universal virtues, families and educators can help children see how wisdom from many traditions can guide us toward a kinder, more connected world.

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Jainism For Children: The 24 Founders 
by Nish Lalit Shah (Author), Roberto Gonzalez (Illustrator)
This engaging book introduces children to the 24 Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers who shaped Jain philosophy. Through storytelling and bright artwork, kids can learn about each teacher’s life and the timeless lessons they taught, making ancient history feel alive and relevant.

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Jainism for Kids
by Aryan Jain (Author), Arman Jain (Author), Sulabh Jain (Author)
This book is designed especially for children, offering simple explanations of Jain beliefs, values, and traditions. Expect colorful illustrations, easy-to-understand language, and relatable examples that help kids see how Jain principles, like kindness to all living beings, can fit into their daily lives.

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Mahavira: The Hero of Nonviolence (Wisdom Tales) 
by Manoj Jain (Author), Demi (Illustrator)
Perfect for read-aloud time, this beautifully illustrated story shares the life of Mahavira, the last Tirthankara, whose example of fearless compassion continues to inspire. Demi’s intricate artwork and Manoj Jain’s storytelling make it both a work of art and a gentle introduction to Jain values.

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That Which Is: Tattvartha Sutra
by Umasvati (Author), Nathmal Tatia (Translator)
For older children, teens, or families ready to go deeper, this is one of Jainism’s most important texts. The Tattvartha Sutra lays out the key principles of Jain philosophy in concise aphorisms. This English translation makes it accessible for modern readers while staying true to its ancient wisdom.

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At the end of our treasure hunt with Jainism, we zipped up our Belief Backpacks with three shining jewels. Here’s what we added:

Lesson 1: Let kindness lead: When in doubt, choose the kind response — it can turn anger into peace.

Lesson 2: Tell the truth gently: Honesty plus kindness builds trust and keeps friendships strong.

Lesson 3: Share what you can: Open hands and open hearts make life lighter for everyone.

Did You Know?

• Tiny lives matter: Some Jain monks and nuns sweep the ground before they walk so they don’t accidentally step on an insect. Others wear a small cloth over their mouth to avoid breathing in even the smallest bug!
• Vegetarian superstars: Most Jains are strict vegetarians. Many won’t eat root vegetables like potatoes or onions, because pulling them from the ground can disturb tiny organisms.
• Festival of forgiveness: At the end of the Das Lakshana and Paryushana festivals, Jains say “Michhami Dukkadam” — “If I have hurt you in any way, please forgive me.” Imagine if the whole world paused to ask for forgiveness every year!
• Ancient wisdom: Jainism is over 2,500 years old and teaches that every soul is eternal, with the potential to be free and full of light.
• Influencing the world: Jain teachings of non-violence inspired leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., who both used peaceful protest to change the world.
• The number 24: Jains believe 24 great teachers called Tirthankaras have appeared in each time cycle to rediscover and teach the truth. The most recent one, Mahavira, lived around the same time as the Buddha.
• Temples of light: Jain temples are often made of white marble and filled with intricate carvings that look like lace made from stone. Some are so detailed they’ve taken centuries to build.
• No creator god: Unlike many religions, Jainism teaches that there is no all-powerful creator god. Instead, each soul has the power to become perfect through right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct.
• Daily practice: Many Jains begin and end their day with prayers, meditation, or reciting mantras that remind them to live with peace, honesty, and kindness.
• Super-strong values: The ten Jain virtues — forgiveness, humility, honesty, contentment, truthfulness, self-restraint, austerity, generosity, non-attachment, and celibacy — are seen as the highest treasures anyone can collect.