________________
CHAPTER I THE JAIN RELIGION
The religion which enjoins adoration and worship of Jinas or the religion which is propounded by Jinas is known as Jain Religion. Jina means one who has conquered the internal enemies and impurities of Soul like attachment (Raga) and hatred (Dwesha) etc. He is known as Parmatma (the great Soul), Sarvajna (Omniscient) and Sarvadarshee (Omnipotent). Such Jinas have been in existence from times immemorial. No beginning can be traced for them and hence the Jain Religion has also no beginning. It is a very ancient religion. It teaches us to become Jina and those who follow it are called Jains. According to Jain conception the period of time consists of two cycles-(1) Ascending (Utsarpinee) and (2) Decending (Avasarpinee). In each of these two cycles, twentyfour Teerthankaras (Jinas) come into existence. They are called Teerthankaras because they are to become the propounders of the sacred order of religion. The last Teerthankar was Lord Mahavir. Some say that Lord Mahavir was the founder of Jainism but this
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
