$JES 901 Jainism and Spiritual Awakening E9

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 25

02-CONCEPT OF GOD AND TIRTHANKARA
At that time, he may be classified in one of the two categories:
• Arihanta or Tirthankara or Jina
• Sämänya (simple or ordinary) Kevali
Arihanta or Tirthankara or Jina
A Tirthankara or Arihanta establishes a religious order.
The Arihantas or Tirthankaras are not Gods in the sense of being the creators of the universe. Rather, they have accomplished the ultimate goal of liberation from suffering and desire through personal effort. Many such individuals existed in the past and many will achieve such a spiritual stage in the future. All human beings have the potential to reach such a spiritual stage.
All Tirthankaras are born in the 3rd and 4th Äräs of the time cycle (See Chapter on Universe and Its Nature Section Time) in the region known as Bharat Kshetra. At present we are in the 5th Ärä of the regressive half cycle known as Unhappy Ärä (2500 years have passed of its total duration of 21,000 years). The progressive half cycle time has the reverse order.
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Sämänya (simple or ordinary) Kevali
Sämänya Kevali do not establish the religious order. They remain in a meditative state and spread the religious message as part of the existing order established by the Tirthankara of that time. At any given time and place only one Tirthankara can exist, while Sämänya Kevali may exist in large numbers.
Different Names of Arihanta and Sämänya Kevali
In ancient times, the religion was known by many names such as the religion of Nirgrantha, or the religion of Jina, or the Saman tradition. Also, its propagators are recognized by various names such as Arihanta, Arhat, Tirthankara, Jina, Nirgrantha or Kevali. All these words depict various qualities of a human form of Jain God.
Kevali
One who has attained infinite knowledge, infinite perception, perfect conduct, and unlimited energy by
JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING