Vitalism, also known as dynamism is the philosophy expounded by Mahavira, a prominent teacher of Jainism. It combined the earlier Jain teacher Pārśvanātha's asceticism and the naturalistic teachings of the Ājīvikas.
Because life is to be considered sacred and in every living thing, Jains avoid killing any living creature, even down to nits in the hair. Therefore most Jains' hair will taper off at the end not having ever been trimmed. They are not only vegetarian, but decline to eat vegetables that grow under the ground, for fear of injuring a living thing when disturbing the ground during harverst. Often monks will wear masks over the mouth to avoid inhaling anything living, and sweep the ground in front of them as they walk so as not to step on an unseen creature.
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