According to Jain tradition, Shantinath Bhagwan is the 16th Tirthankara in the current Avasarpini (descending half-cycle of time). In some Jain beliefs, it is said that after the establishment of Shantinath Bhagwan's shasan (spiritual order), the Jain sangha (community) has never been completely "vanchit" (deprived or lacking) of the four-fold sangha: monks (sadhus), nuns (sadhvis), laymen (shravaks), and laywomen (shravikas).

This concept highlights the continuous presence and preservation of the Jain dharma and sangha through time since the era of Shantinath Bhagwan. It is interpreted as a sign of the enduring nature of Jain teachings and the unbroken lineage of practitioners. This is considered a matter of faith and tradition among Jains, and is often cited in Jain literature and discourses to inspire devotion and confidence in the resilience of the Jain community.

If you would like scriptural references or further philosophical explanation, please specify.