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UNIVERSAL JAIN SYMBOL
CA
The four states of soul
may live in
Heaven
Abode of the seated soul (Siddha Lok) Right Conduct
Right nowledge -Right Faith
Animal
Non-violence
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानम्-Mual assistance of at howing banga
Compassionate Living This universal Jain symbol is a combination of various symbols, each having a deeper meaning. It was adopted during the 2500 Nirvana celebration of Lord Mahävir.
The outline of the symbol is defined as the Universe or Loka. The Swastika is explained on the previous page. The raised hand means 'stop'. The word in the center of the wheel is "Ahimsä," meaning non-violence. These two symbols remind us to stop for a minute and think twice before starting any activity. This gives us a chance to analyze our activities to be sure that they will not hurt anyone by thoughts, words and deeds.
The wheel in the hand shows that if we are not careful and ignore these warnings, then just as the wheel goes around, we will repeatedly go through the cycle of birth and death. The text underneath the symbol, "Parasparopagraho Jivänäm" translates to "Living Beings (souls) Render Service to One Another".
परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् Compassionate Living
JAIN ACTIVITY BOOK
35
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