In Jainism, the phrase "jevu jenu upadan, tevu tene thai" (જેવુ જેનુ ઉપાદાન, તેવું તેને થાય) is a Gujarati saying that is rooted in Jain philosophical thought.

Meaning:

• "Upadan" means the intrinsic substance or material cause—essentially, the inherent nature or qualities of something.
• The phrase translates to: "As is the inherent nature (upadan) of something, so it becomes."

Jain Philosophical Context:

• In Jainism, it is believed that the fundamental nature (upadan) of a thing determines its outcome or manifestation.
• For example, the qualities and tendencies within a soul (jiva) shape its experiences and future states.
• Similarly, a seed grows according to its inherent nature; you cannot get a mango from a neem seed.

Spiritual Implication:

• This saying is often used to emphasize that one’s actions, thoughts, and inherent qualities (gunas) determine one's spiritual progress and experiences.
• It teaches the importance of purifying one's own upadan (inner qualities) to progress on the path of liberation (moksha).

Summary: "As is one’s inherent nature or substance, so is the result." In Jainism, this underscores personal responsibility and the importance of self-purification.