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Thus, the simplest definition of dharma is:
Dharma is that mindset and code of conduct which uplifts, illuminates, purifies and enlightens us. Another way to look at Dharma, is to consider the four aspects of life that a soul channelize their energies into; such as Dharma, Arth (materialistic pleasures), Kaam (sensory pleasures) and Moksh (liberation). Out of these four, Arth and Kaam are worth discarding, where as Moksh should be the final goal and Dharma, the means of achieving this goal.
What is Jain Dharma?
There are two words we shall examine:
1. Jain
2. Dharma
The followers of Vishnu are called Vaishnava. The followers of Shiva are called Shaiva. The followers of Buddha are known as Buddhists while the followers of Christ are known as Christians. Hence, the followers of the Jinaas are known as Jain. And the religion they follow is known as Jain dharma.
The normative code of conduct adumbrated by the Jinaas in order to beautify life and to purify and enlighten the soul is known as the Jain dharma.
Who is a Jina?
The promulgator of the Jain dharma is a Jina. Derived from the root 'ji', the word Jina means a victor.
Liberation is the supreme goal of human life. Attachment and aversion are great impediments on the path of liberation. Both are our internal enemies for they compel the soul to remain immersed in the cycle of transmigration (rebirth). Attachment and aversion are not entities by themselves. They are merely dispositions of the soul. Attachment and aversion hurt and blemish the soul. Since they harm the soul and cause it to have negative dispositions, they are seen as enemies of the soul. Desire, anger, arrogance, artifice and avarice are also enemies of the soul since they prevent the soul from realising its true nature. But all of them arise from the roots of attachment and aversion. A Jina is one who has conquered all these enemies. A Jina is also known as Arihanta (destroyer of enemies}, Arhat {destroyer of enemies}, Viitaraaga {supremely detached}, Sarvagna {all knowing}, Parameshthii (supremely beneficial one) and Tirthankara (fordmaker}.
After having walked that path themselves and attaining enlightenment, the path of spiritual conduct that the Jinaas taught is the true path of salvation for all those who wish to attain liberation. Since the path was taught by the Jinaas, it came to be known as the Jain dharma. Jains follow this path. However, the path is open to any spiritual aspirant. Race, ethnicity, faith, gender and status have no bearing. Jainism is for anyone who chooses to follow this path.
