Who is a Jain? “The term Jaina is derived from the term Jina.
And the term Jina is the common name for the supreme souls who are totally free from all the feelings of attachment, etc that defile the soul.
It is a noun from Sanskrit verbal rcot ‘ji’ meaning ‘to conquer’. Arhan (the Worthy) and Vitaraga (One free from attachment) and Paramesthi (the Supreme Divinity) are the synonyms of Jina.
And devotees of Jina are called Jaina. And the Dharma propounded by Jina is called Jaina Dharma. Arhata Dharma (dharma propounded by the Worthy), Anekantadarsana (Philosophy of Non-one-sidedness), Nirgranthasasana (Teachings of the Knotless), Vitaragamarga (Path made and enlightened by one who is free from attachment) – these are the terms employed for Jaina Dharma & Philosophy”.
Quoted from Jaina Darsana by Munisri Nyayavijayaji translated into English as Jaina Philosophy & Religion by Shri Nagin Shah. Read ‘Essentials of Jain Philosophy in Jain section
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