Jains Today in World

SR No.: 001794
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 360
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, History, Religion, E000, & E005
File Size: 24 MB

Page 304

Conclusion : 253 Like all humans beings living in this world, Jains hope to enjoy perfect and eternal bliss after death, as their sacred scriptures claim. To reach the “Siddhaloka”, their “Paradise”, they trust in the teachings of their Tīrtharkara, the “ford makers" to cross the vast ocean of transmigrations of souls. They take vows, practice penances and fast, follow a strict non-violence, a permanent control of what they think, say and do. They have an extreme regard for all life. What an example for our XXI century! Jains harsh rules to never be reborn in a world more and more difficult and painful. They wish to attain, as soon as possible after their death, the infinite bliss of their soul, telling themselves that what the Jina, the “conquerors”, have obtained will be theirs, too. Jains do not expect favours, rewards, punishments or salvation by a God or by some fate. Their Tīrthankara have said them they may attain infinite bliss of their soul through individual efforts. Some ones will think it is quite presumptuous, but Jains are convinced they know “ the way “, the way taught by their spiritual Masters, and they stay assured they will succeed. Their progress on that path is not fixed in time; they are free to proceed at their own rhythm. Nevertheless, their Masters have drawn their attention on two great unchanging laws of nature that are the same for all Indians: the law of the unceasing cycle of transmigrations of souls and the law of the consequences of activities in this world for their future life or lives. Jains have been taught that every activity of mind, body and speech attracts imperceptible particles of matter (karma) that stick to the soul of its doer and so bind its purity, knowledge and sanctity. This implies that to obtain liberation of this world it is absolutely necessary to shed the "karma" already existing by practices of austerities, and to prevent the influx of new karmic matter by observing self-control and getting good achievements. In short, it is not possible to reach the “Paradise, as long as the soul remains tainted by matter. If the soul of a being is not pure it will die and be reborn one or many times in one of the three worlds of existence under one