Portrait of Jain Religion

Author(s): Narendra Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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enlightenment. Once he became a Tirthankar, he traveled round the country for 30 years preaching what he himself had practiced and experienced before achieving Nirvana and attaining Siddhahood.
Having achieved omniscience and state of perfect and rational knowledge, perception and conduct (Samyak Gyan. Samyak Darshana and Samyak Charitra), the Tirthankars- each in his life time conveyed to humanity through the then prevalent oral (shrut) tradition the principles of Jain philosophy, its doctrines and ritual. Mahavir as the last Tirthankar consolidated the entire religion with its fundamental principles in a comprehensive manner. Mahavir's everlasting contribution has been the profound impact on the composite cultural heritage of India of the Jain compassionate philosophy with Ahimsa as its sheet anchor. Ganadhars methodically compiled, and preserved Mahavir's teachings in the form of 12 main texts called Anga-Agamas or Dwadasanga. These scriptures constitute the soul and backbone of the extensive canonical literature developed by both the Digambar and Shwetambar traditions in the subsequent centuries. In the long interregnum between Tirthankars, the flag of Jainism was kept aloft by learned Acharyas, Upadhyays and Sadhus and Sadhvis in the best Shraman tradition. Since Mahavir also, over the past 25 centuries, canonical literature including learned commentaries and interpretative texts composed by learned saints and scholars has continued to enrich and enliven Jain philosophy in pursuit of right and rational knowledge, perception and conduct (Samyak Gyan, Samyak Perception and Samyak Charitra)..
Jain religion recognizes the guiding and inspiring role of the Pancha Parmeshthi the five spiritual achievers, namely Tirthankar (Arihant), Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya. And Sadhus/ Sadhavis. All of them command veneration since each one at his stage has progressed towards the path of attaining Samyak Gyan, Samyak Darshana and Samyak Charitra- the three fundamental jewels of Jainism. Attainment of rational and right knowledge,
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A Portrait of Jain Religion