Answer

Jainism is one of the oldest spiritual traditions of India. According to Jain tradition, Jain Dharma is eternal and has been taught again and again by enlightened beings called Tirthankars. In the present time-cycle, Jain tradition recognizes 24 Tirthankars, beginning with Bhagwan Rishabhdev and ending with Bhagwan Mahavir.

Explanation

Jain history is understood in two ways:

• Traditional Jain view: Jain Dharma has no single founder. It is eternal and is revived in every time-cycle by Tirthankars.
• Historical view: Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar, lived in ancient India and strongly re-established Jain teachings around the 6th century BCE.

The 24 Tirthankars taught the path of liberation through:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Satya — truthfulness
• Achaurya — non-stealing
• Brahmacharya — celibacy or control of desires
• Aparigraha — non-possessiveness

Before Bhagwan Mahavir, the 23rd Tirthankar, Bhagwan Parshvanath, is also historically important. He taught four main vows: non-violence, truth, non-stealing, and non-possession. Bhagwan Mahavir later emphasized five vows by adding brahmacharya as a distinct vow.

After Bhagwan Mahavir attained nirvana, his teachings were preserved by Jain monks, nuns, scholars, and communities. Over time, Jainism developed into major traditions, especially:

• Shvetambar tradition
• Digambar tradition

Both traditions honor the Tirthankars, accept karma and liberation, and follow the core ideals of ahimsa, self-discipline, and spiritual purification, though they differ in some scriptures, practices, and historical interpretations.

Spiritual Understanding

The history of Jainism is not only a history of events; it is the history of the soul’s path toward liberation. Jain Dharma teaches that every soul can become pure, free from karma, and attain moksha through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Its central message is:

• Do not harm any living being.
• Control passions such as anger, pride, deceit, and greed.
• Reduce attachment.
• Purify the soul through discipline, compassion, and awareness.

Takeaway

Jainism is an ancient, eternal dharma in Jain understanding, re-taught by the Tirthankars for the liberation of all souls. Its history is rooted in ahimsa, self-control, karma theory, and the spiritual goal of moksha.