GLOSSARY
Key Jain Terms & Definitions
Ahimsa
Non-violence; the principle of not causing harm to any living being in thought, word, or deed. The central principle of Jainism.
Anekant / Anekantavada
The doctrine of many-sidedness or multiplicity of truth. The belief that reality is complex and no single proposition can fully describe it.
Aparigraha
Non-possessiveness or non-attachment to material things. One of the five major vows of Jainism.
Acharya
The highest rank of Jain monks and nuns, selected and appointed by their peers. Spiritual leaders of the Jain community.
Bhajan
A devotional song or hymn sung in praise of the divine. An important part of Jain worship and spiritual practice.
Diksha
The initiation ceremony through which a person becomes a Jain monk or nun, renouncing worldly life.
Jain Mandir / Derasar
A Jain temple or place of worship where Jains pray and meditate.
Jai Jinendra
A traditional Jain greeting meaning "Victory to the Jina (conqueror)." Used as a salutation among Jains.
Karma
In Jainism, karma is a subtle matter that attaches to the soul based on one's actions, thoughts, and speech. It determines the soul's future experiences.
Kevala Jnana
Omniscience or perfect knowledge. The state of complete enlightenment attained by Tirthankaras and liberated souls.
Mantra
Sacred words or phrases repeated in prayer and meditation. The Namokar Mantra is the most important Jain mantra.
Moksha
Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). The ultimate goal of Jain spiritual practice.
Namokar Mantra
The most sacred Jain prayer, paying homage to the five supreme beings: Arihants, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus.
Samyak Charitra
Right Conduct. One of the three jewels of Jainism, referring to ethical behavior aligned with Jain principles.
Samyak Darshana
Right Faith or Right Perception. One of the three jewels of Jainism, referring to correct understanding of Jain teachings.
Samyak Jnana
Right Knowledge. One of the three jewels of Jainism, referring to accurate knowledge of the soul and the universe.
Samsara
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all souls undergo until they attain liberation (moksha).
Siddhachalam
A sacred Jain pilgrimage site in New Jersey, USA, founded by Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj. Also known as Shri Siddhachalam Jain Tirth.
Tirthankara
A "ford-maker" or spiritual teacher who has attained enlightenment and teaches the path to liberation. There are 24 Tirthankaras in each cosmic cycle; Lord Mahavira is the 24th.
Yoga
In Jainism, yoga refers to the activities of mind, speech, and body that cause karma to bind to the soul.
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