Answer

The word Jain comes from the Sanskrit word Jina.

Jina means “one who has conquered.”

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, a Jina is one who has conquered inner enemies such as:

• anger
• ego
• deceit
• greed
• attachment
• aversion

The followers of the Jina are called Jains.

So, Jain means a follower of the Jina — especially the teachings of the Tirthankars, who are perfected spiritual victors.

Spiritual Understanding

The word Jain does not mean conquest over other people. It means conquest over oneself — overcoming passions and karma to attain purity of the soul.

Takeaway

Jain is derived from Jina, meaning “spiritual conqueror,” and a Jain is one who follows the path shown by the Jinas.