Answer

Jainism was not “officially started” by one person in the way some religions are founded. According to Jain tradition, Jain Dharma is eternal, and it is re-taught in every time cycle by the Tirthankars.

In the present time cycle, the first Tirthankar was Bhagwan Rishabhdev — also called Adinath. He is regarded as the first Tirthankar of this era.

The word “Jain” comes from the word “Jina”, meaning “one who has conquered.” Here, conquered means conquered inner enemies like anger, ego, deceit, greed, attachment, and hatred.

Explanation

A Jina is a spiritually victorious soul who has conquered passions and attained perfect knowledge. Followers of the Jina are called Jains.

So the order is:

• Jina means the conqueror of inner passions.
• Jain means follower of the Jina.
• Jain Dharma means the path taught by the Jinas.

Bhagwan Mahavir did not start Jainism as a new religion. He was the 24th Tirthankar of the present time cycle and revived and taught the same eternal Jain Dharma.

Takeaway

Jainism is traditionally understood as an eternal Dharma. In this era, Bhagwan Rishabhdev was the first Tirthankar, and the word “Jain” comes from “Jina,” meaning one who has conquered inner passions.