Answer

Jain Dharma is not considered a part of Sanatan Dharma in the strict Jain tradition. Jain Dharma is an independent, ancient Dharma with its own Tirthankars, scriptures, philosophy, practices, and path to liberation.

Explanation

The word “Sanatan Dharma” is commonly used today to refer to the Hindu/Vedic tradition. Jain Dharma and Hindu Dharma both arose in ancient India and share some cultural terms such as:

• Dharma
• Karma
• Moksha
• Ahimsa
• Tapasya

But Jain Dharma has distinct teachings, such as:

• There is no creator God in Jain philosophy.
• The universe is beginningless and eternal.
• Every soul can attain liberation through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
• The spiritual path is taught by the Tirthankars.
• Ahimsa is the highest and central principle.

Jains revere the 24 Tirthankars, especially Bhagwan Mahavir as the 24th Tirthankar of the present time cycle. Jain scriptures and traditions are separate from the Vedas.

Spiritual Understanding

If “Sanatan” is used in its literal meaning of eternal truth, then Jain Dharma also teaches eternal principles such as soul, karma, non-violence, and liberation. But if “Sanatan Dharma” means the Vedic/Hindu religious tradition, then Jain Dharma is separate and independent.

Takeaway

Jain Dharma is an ancient, eternal, and independent Dharma, not a branch of Hinduism, though both have coexisted in India for thousands of years with shared cultural background.