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In Jainism, a tirthankara (Sanskrit ') is an omniscient teacher who preaches the ''dharma'' (righteous path). Tīrthaṅkara literally means a "ford-maker", the one who builds a ford across the ocean of rebirth and transmigration. Tirthankara is a person who has conquered saṃsāra (the cycle of death and rebirth), and provide a bridge for others to follow them from ''saṃsāra'' to ''moksha'' (liberation).〔(【引用サイトリンク】 title=Britannica Tirthankar Definition )〕 According to Jain Agamas, that which helps one to cross ''saṃsāra'' is a ''tīrtha'' ("ford") and the rare individual who makes that ''tirth'' i.e. refounds Jainism is a ‘’’’ "ford-maker". == Overview == According to Jain texts, in each half of the cosmic time cycle, exactly twenty-four tirthankaras are born in this part of the universe. The first tirthankara was Rishabha, who is credited for formulating and organising humans to live in a society harmoniously. The 24th and last tirthankara of present half-cycle was Mahavira (599-527 BC).〔〔(【引用サイトリンク】url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch-stories/rude-travel-down-the-sages/article1-1121641.aspx )〕 History records the existence of Mahavira and his predecessor, Parshvanatha, the twenty-third ''tirthankara''. A ''tirthankara'' organises the ''sangha'', a fourfold order of male and female monastics, ''srāvaka''s (male followers) and ''śrāvikā''s (female followers). The tirthankaras' teachings form the basis for the Jain canons. The inner knowledge of tirthankara is believed to be perfect and identical in every respect and their teachings do not contradict one another. However, the degree of elaboration varies according to the spiritual advancement and purity of the society during their period of leadership. The higher the spiritual advancement and purity of mind of the society, the lower the elaboration required. While tirthankaras are documented and revered by Jains, their grace is said to be available to all living beings, regardless of religious orientation.〔Flügel, P. (2010). The Jaina Cult of Relic Stūpas. Numen: International Review For The History Of Religions, 57(3/4), 389-504. doi:10.1163/156852710X501351〕 Tīrthaṅkaras are arihants who after attaining kevalajñāna (pure infinite knowledge) preach the true dharma. An ''Arihant'' is also called ''Jina'' (victor), that is one who has conquered inner enemies such as anger, attachment, pride and greed. They dwell exclusively within the realm of their Soul, and are entirely free of ''kashayas'', inner passions, and personal desires. As a result of this, unlimited siddhis, or spiritual powers, are readily available to them – which they use exclusively for the spiritual elevation of living beings. Through darśana, divine vision, and deshna, divine speech, they help others in attaining kevalajñana, and moksha (final liberation) to anyone seeking it sincerely. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Tirthankara」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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