In Jainism what is the term for any saviour who transcends rebirths and makes a path for others to follow?

Thiv	Bhagvan Mahavir Apr 19 00, 12:40 AM

sequoianoir

Tirthankaras are great souls who had descended on earth at times when the world had lost direction and was in strong grip of socio-religious crises. They appeared as ordinary human beings, passed through all the stages of life witnessing joys and sorrows, then came to realisation of Kaivalya or Kevalgyana (the essence of life) and enlightened the universe by showing the way to attain Moksha. 'Tirthankara' is Sanskrit for "FORD-MAKER", also called JINA (Victor or Liberator), in Jainism a saviour who has succeeded in crossing over life's stream of rebirths and has made a path for others to follow. One who has freed himself/herself from the bondage of Karma by conquering räga (attachment - deceit and greed) & dvesha (aversion - anger and ego). Tirthankaras are also those who establish the four fold order (Monk, Nun, Layman, and Laywoman) of religion http://www.atamsadhnakendra.org/f_tirthankar.html Feb 21 04, 7:52 PM