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Chapter 8
THEIR RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS, DRAWINGS AND
EXPRESSIONS
In the first part of this chapter, we will see quite an important number of Jain symbols. They concern beings, objects and practices it is essential to know the meaning of which, often not very easy to perceive at first sight. In the second part, we will speak of drawings Jains use with almost magic effects to support their meditation and to receive protective results. In the third part, we will see their various religious expressions, like “mantra”, “sūtra”, prayers, songs, hymns and their signification.
1. Their religious symbols
Jains give a symbolic character to an important number of beings and things. We will try to bring their meanings to light.
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Their symbol-beings
For the Jains, the “Arhat” (Tīrthankara, Jina) and "Siddha” depicted in Chapter 3 are the highest symbols of perfection, courage, detachment, self-realization and liberation they aspire after. They are, like them, human beings who have lived in this world and who succeeded, by their endeavours, to conquer their passions and to wipe out from their soul all traces of matter or impurity (karma). To their eyes, these beings have obtained absolute knowledge and final liberation of the "saṁsāra” they fear so much; they enjoy forever the eternal bliss of equanimity and peace in the "world of perfect souls” (Siddha-loka) that they place above the universe. These beings have no more connections with our world. They are without worries, without any desire, in absolute bliss.
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