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PART III STORIES PRECEDING BHAGAWAN MAHÄVIR
The Acharya also explained that the soul had nothing to do with the state and activities of the body. The body is obtained as a consequence of the operative karma and should be used simply as an instrument for realizing the true nature of soul. It can be an effective instrument only if it is used purposefully.
Moral: Understanding the true nature of the soul is the essence of religion and it is the only thing worth pursuing in this life. We should never look down upon anyone who cannot observe austerities and penance or one who cannot follow the religious principles as much as others. Rather than putting these people down, one must encourage them to do so with compassion and realize that it is due to the karmas of that person that they are unable to do so. One must never be proud of the austerities that one is able to perform. The purpose of observing austerities or other religious practices is to gain modesty that leads to right perception, which in turn helps to attain equanimity.
18 - Questions: 1. What did Dhandatta's son do when he heard the Acharya's sermon? What was he named? 2. What was he unable to do? 3. What happened on the day of Samvatsari? What did he achieve?
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JAIN STORY BOOK
