#8: Jainism Glossary

1) Jainism

Jainism is an ancient religion beginning in India around the 7th-5th century BCE that teaches that the way to liberation and bliss is to live lives of harmlessness and renunciation. The name Jainism derives from the Sanskrit verb ji, “to conquer.” It refers to the battle that Jain monks and nuns must fight against passions and bodily senses for enlightenment.

2) Tirthankara

There is no official founder of Jainism. However, there are many important teachers called tirthankara who shaped Jainism along the way. Tirthankara are not gods. They are ordinary humans who have made their souls pure through intense spiritual practice.

3) Mahavira

The most famous teacher was Mahavira, which means Great Hero. He is believed to have given Jainism its present form as a religion and is sometimes called The Father of Jainism, although the ideas existed before him.

4) Ahimsa

Ahimsa is the most important principle in Jainism. Ahimsa means non-violence. It becomes a way of life for Jain followers. They work to protect every soul from harm. They want to avoid violence in all forms, including physical violence, mental violence and verbal violence.

5) Enlightenment

the action of enlightening or the state of being enlightened.

give (someone) greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.