Jainism is traditionally regarded as a distinct dharma (path) in its own right, not a branch of Sanatan Dharma. In Jainism, the key pillars are ahimsa (non-violence), anekantavada (many-sided truth), and aparigraha (non-attachment), along with the teachings of the Tirthankaras and the aim of moksha through self-effort and right conduct.

Key points:

• Sanatan Dharma is a term often used in Hindu contexts to describe an eternal, universal order or set of duties. Jainism does not view itself as a subset or branch of this framework.
• Jain philosophy does not accept Vedic authority as the basis of its orthodoxy; it is built on its own scriptures, Arihants, and Siddhantas.
• Jainism emphasizes its own path toward liberation (moksha) through strict non-violence, truth, and ascetic practice, distinct from other dharmas.

In short: Jainism is a separate, independent dharma with its own worldview, scriptures, and practices. If you’d like, I can share concise points from Jain scriptures that define this independence and how Jain thought differs from other traditions.