Jains are followers of the teachings of the Jinas ("Spiritual Victors") or Tirthankaras ("Fordmakers"), human beings who have attained enlightenment through their own efforts and who have taught the truths they realized to others.
At the core of the Jain teachings are nonviolence and compassion towards all living beings, which have remained the guiding principles of Jain ethics to this day. Historical Dictionary of Jainism, Second Edition contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section contains cross-referenced entries. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Jainism.