Jainism Terms
Sramana:
members of a community who follow the ascetic ideal of the Jain monks and nuns
Varna
the Sanskrit term for the Portuguese word meaning the caste or class system developed in South Asia.
Karma
according to the Jain tradition, subtle particles of matter.
Ahmisa
non-injury to or interference with any living being (the opposite of himsa, harm).
samsara
the cycles of transmigration and reincarnation.
jaina
a follower of the Jaina (Jain) religion.
jina
a spiritual victor.
tirthankara
“the one who crosses the stream of existence”; an omniscient being.
moksha
the attainment of complete freedom of the soul from karmic matter; salvation.
sangah
a Jain community, made up of monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen.
jiva
soul, spirit, living substance.
ajiva
non soul, spirit, living substance.
sadhu
: a male ascetic
sadhvi
a female ascetic.
sravaka
a male householder; layman.
sravika
a female householder; laywoman.
mahavratas
the five great vows of renunciation made by monks and nuns.
anuvrata
a small vow.
sallekhana
the ritual of fasting to death.
acharya
the head of a group of monks (sadhus)