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Did the Jaina religion start with the first Tirthankara or with Mahavira, and what is the meaning of the word 'Jaina'?

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Jainism began with the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdeva, for it is the journey of conquering the self that defines the essence of being a Jaina, the true conqueror.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source definition
Core Insight:
According to Osho, Jainism did not begin with Mahavira; its quest to conquer the ultimate started with the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdeva, honored even in the Rigveda. The word "Jaina" derives from the root "jinna," meaning "the conqueror"—one who has mastered the self. He regards Jainism as among humanity’s most ancient spiritual traditions, despite its small numbers.
It began with Rishabhdeva long before Mahavira, and ‘Jaina’ means a person who has conquered themselves.
Why this matters practically
- Grounds your understanding in the original lineage, not just a famous figure.
- Shifts focus to inner conquest of ego and passions, the core Jaina ideal.
- Inspires respect for ancient wisdom beyond popularity or size.
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