Bhagavan Mahavira Life and Philosophy : [04.03] First Sermon: Muni-Dharma (Asceticism)

he Principle of Equalitarianism comprises dharma and its opposite is adharma. All the living beings are equal to each other insofar as their potentialities are concerned.
No living being is smaller or greater in this respect.

From the point of view of their development, the living beings can be classified into six categories:

1. Beings with earth-bodies viz. mineral substances.
2. Beings with water-bodies.
3. Beings with fire-bodies.
4. Beings with air-bodies.
5. Vegetation beings composed of vegetation bodies
6. Mobile living beings.