Parampara in Jainism means the unbroken succession or lineage through which the teachings, discipline, and spiritual knowledge are transmitted from one generation to the next. It covers both:

• Guru–shishya lineages (teachers and their disciples) who preserve proper conduct, meditation, and practical guidance.
• The transmission of scriptures and doctrinal authority (the canon) that documents and safeguards Jain teachings.

Key points:

• It emphasizes a continuous, pure chain of teaching—from the Tirthankaras (like Mahavira) down through sages, monks, and teachers.
• There are two main traditional lineages in practice: the Digambara and the Śvetāmbara communities. Each has its own recognized line of teachers, monks, and textual traditions.
• Parampara helps maintain fidelity to the original intent of Jain teachings and prevents distortions that can arise over time.

If you’d like, I can share a concise, tradition-specific explanation (Digambara vs. Śvetāmbara) or point to a Jain text that discusses parampara in more detail.