is jainism transtheistic
Jainism is generally not described as transtheistic in its own traditional terms.
A better description is that Jainism is non-creator, non-cosmic-personal-God centered. It does not depend on a supreme creator deity for the universe or liberation. Instead, Jainism teaches that:
- the universe is beginningless and endless,
- every soul can attain moksha by its own purification,
- Tirthankars are enlightened guides, not creator gods,
- reverence is given to liberated souls, but liberation is achieved through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
So, if someone uses the word transtheistic loosely, they may be trying to say Jainism goes beyond belief in a creator God. But in Jain philosophy, the more accurate understanding is:
Jainism is non-theistic with respect to a creator God, while still deeply spiritual and reverential toward liberated beings.