Art of Enlightenment

Author(s): Kalpana Desai
Publisher: Kalpana Desai

Page 5

FOUNDERS OF JAINISM
Jainism owes its existence to the 24 Tirthankaras whose teachings form the basis of this religion. They re-establish the religion and present it in the contemporary context for the benefit of people. Literal meaning of Tirthankara is one who makes a passage through the waters and helps people to swim across the ocean of life and death. They are also known as Jinas, the victorious ones who have conquered their passions.
Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankara of the present eon is considered the founder of Jainism who also civilised the society of that time. Vardhamana Mahavira (C.599-527 BCE) the 24th Tirthankara who was a senior contemporary of the Buddha, Parshvanatha the 23rd and Neminatha the 22nd Tirthankara are known as historical figures. The rest of them are known only through oral tradition. The preaching of Lord Mahavira, are compiled in the Acharanga Sutra, Uttaradhyayana Sutra and other texts.
Tirthankaras are worshiped not as gods but as real Enlightened human beings of the past. Jains pray to them for inspiration and blessings. They revere the entire tradition of the Enlightened Ones and particularly the living sadguru who preaches the true meaning of dharma and translates the scriptural message into practical training of the disciple.
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