In Jainism, a Tīrthankara is literally a "ford-maker"—someone who creates a crossing point (tīrtha) over the vast ocean of saṃsāra, the cycle of birth and rebirth. This metaphor reflects the Tīrthankara’s role in guiding others toward liberation (moksha). A tīrtha can be both a place—where the spiritual gap is lessened—and a community, such as the fourfold Jain Saṅgha (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). Even exemplary ascetics can be seen as living tīrthas, helping others on the path to freedom.