Essence and Spirit of Jainism

Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

Page 9

of men, but of all living beings, under all circumstances.
Its philosophy is not essentially founded on any particular writing or external revelation, but on the unfoldment of spritual consciousness, which is the birthright of every soul. Mere words cannot give full expression to the truths of Jainism which must be felt and realised within.
The Jains are the advocates of the development of man in all aspects-physical, mental and spritual. Through knowledge and endeavour the individual develops and unfolds the potential within him.
The word Jain is derived from the generic term "Jina”. A person who conquers his lower nature, i. e. passion, hatred and the like and brings into prominence the highest, and achieves the state of the supreme being is called a Jina. There have been several Jinas and there can be many more in the future. A Jina who is a guiding force to his followers, reviews principles of religion and regenerates the community, is called a “Tirthankara”.
Adinath who dates back to the beginning of the world was the first Tirthankara and