Jina

(Sanskrit). A title used of the Buddhas, meaning ‘victor’. The term refers to the fact that through his enlightenment (bodhi) a Buddha conquers all the negative forces which hold beings captive in saṃsāra. These are often symbolized collectively in the figure of the devil, Māra, and the Buddha's victory over Māra is a popular theme in Buddhist art. A scheme of five Jinas is common in Mahāyāna and tantric sources (see five Buddha families).