Significance of Tirthankara
Synonyms: Jina, Tirtha, Spiritual teacher, Enlightened being, Spiritual guide, Savior
In Dutch: Tirthankara; In German: Tirthankara; In Finnish: Tirthankara; In Spanish: Tirthankara
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Tirthankara'
In Hinduism, Tirthankara symbolizes revered guides in Jainism, aiding people through life's cycles. Examples include Buddha and Kapila, notable spiritual figures whose teachings, while profound, differ from the omniscient qualities of traditional Tirthankaras.
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Great guides in Jainism who help individuals navigate the cycle of births and deaths.[1]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Figures such as Buddha and Kapila, who are significant in their teachings but compared to the omniscient because of differing qualities.[2]
Jain concept of 'Tirthankara'
Tirthankara in Jainism denotes revered spiritual teachers who achieve omniscience and guide followers to liberation. Their births are marked by significant events and dreams, and they establish essential teachings and practices within the tradition.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Spiritual teachers within the tradition who attain a high level of enlightenment and are revered as guides for followers.[3] (2) Refers to the enlightened beings whose birth is signified by the events narrated.[4] (3) Refers to a spiritual teacher or savior figure within specific traditions.[5] (4) A revered title for spiritual teachers who establish a path to liberation, highlighting Shanti's significance.[6] (5) A revered teacher in Jainism, indicating that Nanda's son is destined for a significant spiritual role.[7]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) A revered figure in Jainism, whose idol sparked Haribhadrasuri's initial disrespect and subsequent curiosity.[8] (2) A spiritual teacher and prophet in Jainism who establishes the teachings and practices of the religion after attaining omniscience.[9] (3) In Jainism, a spiritual teacher who has attained enlightenment; Haribhadrasuri praised them in his hymns.[10] (4) A spiritual figure in Jainism who is the founder of a ford (tirtha) that helps individuals cross the ocean of mundane existence.[11] (5) A revered spiritual figure whose perception is a vital means of attaining liberation in the context of spiritual practice.[12]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The holy figures in Jainism who have established the spiritual orders and ethical doctrines.[13] (2) Venerated figures in Jainism representing the highest order of spiritual teachers.[14] (3) The 24 revered spiritual teachers recognized for their teachings and guiding the faithful, pivotal in the spiritual tradition.[15]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A figure in the tradition mentioned that the laukantika deva descend from the heavens to commend their resolve during renunciation.[16] (2) A title given to a spiritual teacher in Jainism who is believed to have achieved liberation and shows the path to others.[17]
The concept of Tirthankara in local and regional sources
Tirthankara in Jainism symbolizes spiritual teachers who guide followers, known as shramanas, towards achieving self-mastery and detachment through their teachings, serving as essential figures for spiritual growth and enlightenment.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The enlightened beings in Jainism, with Mahavira being the 24th Tirthankara.[18] (2) Spiritual teachers in Jainism whose teachings the shramana follows to attain self-mastery and detachment.[19]