WHO IS A JAIN?
Those who worship the Jin (the Victors and the liberated souls) are called Jains. Those who have conquered Kashãya (passion), Rãg (attachment) and Dvesh (aversion) are called the Jin (the Victors). The worship of Victors of attachment and aversion implies that one should reduce them in his life. It means that one who engages him-self in an effort to reduce vices like rãg (attachment), dvesh (aversion), krodh (anger), mãn (pride), mãyã (deceit) and lobh (greed) is a Jain. As Lord Shiva is the god of Shaivas, Lord Buddha is the god of Bauddhas, Vishnu is the god of Vaishnavas, and likewise the most holy devotional god of Jains is ‘Jin’. In otherwords those who worship the Arihants and Siddhs are called Jains.
Adding two intra-syllabic vowels, which are symbols of conduct and thought, on the word ‘Jan’, makes the word ‘Jain’. Thus one who follows right conduct and is endowed with purity of thought is a Jain.
‘Lord Jin’ is an ocean of dayã (mercy) and therefore, one who possess the thoughts of kindness and mercy and, also who is moved by the misery of others is a Jain.
A true Jain will readily and happily accept even death in order to maintain purity and liberty of souls.
One who controls and conquers the vices of sensuality of indriyas (sense organs)`and man (mind) and proceeds towards conquering the ãtma (soul) is a Jain.
One who gives prime importance to carefulness and prudence in every field of activity and moves forward to advance the teachings and precepts of the Jina is a Jain.