In a short while you'll be performing the task set ahead that, should teach you the main basics and should be fun.In order to perform part of the task you'll need some background information, which just so happens to be on this page.

The founder of Jainism is Vardhamana, its primary belief is that there are no higher beings, but that everyone's soul has the potential to become god like. They believd in five major principles, and would not eat anything if the source is killed in the process. The goal of Jainism is to realize the souls true nature. they believe every soul has the potential to be Siddha. the following are there five cre beliefs.

• Non-violence (Ahimsa) - to cause no harm to living beings.
• Truth (Satya) - to always speak the truth in a harmless manner.
• Non-stealing (Asteya) - to not take anything that is not willingly given.
• Always give people fair value for labor or product.
•        Never take things which are not offered.
•        Never take things that are placed, dropped or forgotten by others
•        Never purchase cheaper things if the price is the result of improper method (e.g. pyramid scheme, illegal business, stolen goods, etc.)
• Celibacy (Brahmacarya) - to not indulge in sensual pleasures.
• Non-possession (Aparigraha) - to detach from people, places, and material things.

Jains believe every human is responsible for his/her actions which is caled Karma, a belief of Jainism is removing oneself from Karma. They see each and every persons soul as a god that can be liberated and achieve moshka.Though they did practice many beliefs besides those revolving around the soul. Devout Jains do not eat, drink, or travel after sunset, and prefer to drink water that is boiled and then cooled to room temperature. They dont believe in eating food gained by cruel means, such as meat and root vegetables. Many Jains abstain from eating green vegetables and root vegetables one day each week. The particular day, determined by the lunar calendar is Ashtami (eighth day of the lunar month), New Moon, the second Ashtami and the Full Moon night.

Jains are very accepting of other religions, even some non-JAin temples are administered by Jains.Jains contribute to Indian art, culture, and philosphy. On another note Mohandes Gahndis polotics were influeced by Jainism, and his mother was a devout Jain.

Jains didnt believe the universe was ever created, and they dont believe it will ever end. They seperate time into layers as wel. Jain philosphy is ased on eternal universal truths.
They believe the universe consists of infinite Jiva, or souls and that it looks like a man holding his hands on his hips. This is used to display the seven planes, hell being below the hip, heaven being near the head, and earth being at the hips.

Fasting:

1. Uttam: Renounce all worldly things including food & water on the day of fasting and eat only once on the eve & next day of fasting.

2. Madhyam: Food & water is not taken on the day of fast.

3. Jaghanya: Eat only once on the day.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/jainism.htm