The 24 Tirthankaras: Jainism’s Ford-Makers and the Path to Samsara
Explore the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, the ford-makers who guide souls across the sea of samsara toward eternal peace through the power of bhaav shakti.
Best quote from The 24 Tirthankaras: Jainism’s Ford-Makers and the Path to Samsara
A Tirthankara is not an avatar or a god descending from the clouds; they are human beings who started exactly where you are, but through an almost unimaginable intensity of purpose, transformed their very nature.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
An overview of all 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism, covering their lives, key teachings, and significance in the faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Jain philosophy, a Tirthankara is a 'ford-maker' who creates a reliable crossing point over the turbulent ocean of samsara, the cycle of birth and rebirth. These figures are not gods descending from above, but human beings who have transformed their nature through intense purpose. By building this spiritual ford, they provide a path for others to achieve eternal peace and liberation from the endless cycle of existence.
Bhaav shakti refers to the energy of intent, a powerful spiritual force where a selfless desire can rewrite one's destiny. For a Tirthankara, this intent is rooted in the phrase Sarva Jeev Karu Shaasan Rasi, expressing the wish to inspire every living being toward salvation. This potent energy creates a specific type of karma known as Tirthankar-naam-karma, which facilitates their unique role in guiding others toward spiritual liberation.
Jainism describes samsara as a vast and turbulent ocean representing the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that every soul has navigated since the beginning of time. The 24 Tirthankaras serve as essential guides on the shore of this sea. Rather than just teaching one how to swim, they build a crossing that allows souls to walk toward a place of ultimate human potential and permanent liberation.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
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"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
![[baca2467-8519-46b9-9cc8-3adb98fb142b:c0000] Stephen Batchelor - After Buddhism_ Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age (2015, Yale University Press) - libgen.li.pdf p1-1](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fd1y2du6z1jfm9e.cloudfront.net%2Fassets%2Fpodcast%2Fpurple.png&w=1024&q=50)
