Is the Buddha mentioned in Jain texts?
Yes. In some Jain texts, Buddha is mentioned, usually as Gautama Buddha or as a śramaṇa teacher from the same broad spiritual era. Jain works may refer to him in historical or comparative contexts.
At the same time, Jain texts use the word “buddha” in its general Sanskrit sense sometimes meaning “awakened” or “enlightened”, not only Gautama Buddha as a person.
So, in short:
- Yes, Buddha is mentioned in Jain literature
- Sometimes as Gautama Buddha
- Sometimes the word is used more generally as “awakened”
From the Jain viewpoint, the Tīrthaṅkaras are the fully authoritative spiritual teachers for Jain Dharma, while other teachers may be mentioned respectfully in historical context.