At the Feet of the Jina

Summary

Leona Smith Kremser’s short reflection is a devotional meditation on the Jina. In Jainism a **tirthankara**—literally a ‘ford‑maker’—is a saviour who has conquered the cycle of birth and death and shows others the way across the sea of saṃsārahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankara#:~:text=In%20Jainism%20%2C%20a%20Tirthankara,4. After attaining **kevala jñāna** (omniscience), a tirthankara becomes an **arihant** or **Jina**, a ‘victor’ who has conquered inner enemies such as anger, attachment, pride and greed and uses his spiritual powers to guide othershttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankara#:~:text=T%C4%ABrtha%E1%B9%85karas%20are%20arihants%20%20who%2C,divine%20vision%2C%20and%20deshna%2C%20divine. The article invites readers to ‘sit at the feet of the Jina,’ suggesting an attitude of humility and devotion. By contemplating the Jina’s omniscience and purity, devotees can cultivate equanimity and detachment. Kremser contrasts the restless mind with the serene presence of the Jina, urging readers to surrender ego and trust in the enlightened teacher. The piece echoes Jain rituals in which devotees bow before idols of the tirthankaras, recite mantras and reflect on the qualities of the **Jina**, who embodies perfect knowledge and compassion. Ultimately, the reflection affirms that reverent contemplation at the feet of the Jina transforms the seeker’s consciousness and inspires progress on the path to liberation.