Answer

Yes, gotra is there in Jain tradition, but it is understood differently from the common social idea of caste or lineage.

In Jain Dharma, gotra karma is one of the eight main types of karma. It determines the kind of family, status, or social position into which a soul is born.

Explanation

In Jain philosophy, gotra karma is of two types:

• Uchcha Gotra Karma – karma that causes birth in a high-status, respected, or noble family.
• Neecha Gotra Karma – karma that causes birth in a low-status, less-respected, or humble family.

However, Jain Dharma does not teach that spiritual worth depends on birth, caste, family, or social status. A soul’s purity depends on its own conduct, faith, knowledge, and austerity.

Spiritual Understanding

Gotra karma reminds us that pride in high birth and shame about low birth are both spiritually harmful. Jain Dharma teaches humility.

A person born in a respected family may still bind harmful karma through ego, while a person born in an ordinary family may rise spiritually through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

Takeaway

Yes, Jainism accepts gotra, but mainly as gotra karma, not as a basis for spiritual superiority. In Jain Dharma, the true measure of a person is not birth, but the purity of the soul and conduct.