Answer

Jain Dharma is one of the most ancient spiritual traditions of India. It teaches the path of:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Aparigraha — non-possessiveness
• Anekantavada — many-sided understanding of truth
• Self-discipline and purification of the soul

According to Jain tradition, Jain Dharma is eternal. It is not founded by one single person, but is taught again and again by enlightened beings called Tirthankars.

Explanation

In the present time cycle, Jain tradition speaks of 24 Tirthankars. They are spiritual teachers who rediscover and preach the path to liberation.

The first Tirthankar of the present cycle is:

• Bhagwan Rishabhdev, also known as Adinath

The twenty-third Tirthankar is:

• Bhagwan Parshvanath

The twenty-fourth and last Tirthankar of the present cycle is:

• Bhagwan Mahavir

Bhagwan Mahavir lived in ancient India and greatly revived and organized the Jain Sangh. He taught the path of liberation through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

The Jain Sangh traditionally consists of four parts:

• Sadhu — monks
• Sadhvi — nuns
• Shravak — laymen
• Shravika — laywomen

After Bhagwan Mahavir’s nirvana, Jain teachings were preserved through the lineage of Acharyas, monks, nuns, and devoted lay followers.

Over time, the Jain community developed major traditions, especially:

• Digambar tradition
• Shvetambar tradition

Both traditions revere the Tirthankars, accept karma theory, liberation, ahimsa, and the basic spiritual goal of Jain Dharma, though they differ in some practices, scriptures, and historical details.

Spiritual Understanding

The history of Jain Dharma is not only a history of people and events. It is the history of the soul’s journey toward liberation.

Jain Dharma teaches that every soul has the potential to become pure, omniscient, and liberated. The Tirthankars show the path, but each soul must walk it through self-effort, discipline, compassion, and detachment.

Takeaway

The history of Jain Dharma is centered on the eternal path of liberation taught by the Tirthankars. Its heart is Ahimsa, self-control, right knowledge, and freedom of the soul from karma.