Tirthika is a general term referring to adherents Jainism

Jainism

Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...

. Whereas a Buddhist takes refuge

Refuge (Buddhism)

Buddhists "take refuge" in, or to "go for refuge" to, the Three Jewels . This can be done formally in lay and monastic ordination ceremonies.The Three Jewels general signification is:　* the Buddha;* the Dharma, the teachings;...

 in the Three Jewels

Three Jewels

The Three Jewels, also called the Three Treasures, the Siemese Triples, Three Refuges, or the Triple Gem , are the three things that Buddhists take refuge in, and look toward for guidance, in the process known as taking refuge.The Three Jewels are:* BuddhaTaking refuge in the Three Jewels is...

 and treads the middle way

Middle way

The Middle Way or Middle Path is the descriptive term that Siddhartha Gautama used to describe the character of the path he discovered that led to liberation. It was coined in the very first teaching that he delivered after his enlightenment...

between extremes, a Tirthika does not.

According to the Asoka Avadhana, the Tithikas that were jealous of Asoka's preeching of Buddhism gathered together and said to each other, "Should this king Asoka continue a worshipper of Budda, all other persons encouragedby him would likewise become followers of Buddha." They then went to people's houses and declared that their religion is the true religion and that Buddhism gives no Moksha.