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## Chapter 282 of the Mahapurana
**138.** These twice-born (Dwijas) who follow impure conduct are considered by the wise to be in the "Krishna Varga" (group of the dark ones), while the Jains, who follow pure conduct, are considered to be in the "Shukla Varga" (group of the bright ones).
**139.** The purity of the twice-born is dependent on the Vedas (Shruti), Smritis, Puranas, good conduct (Vritti), mantras, and rituals (Kriya). It is also achieved by wearing the symbols of deities and by renouncing desires (Kama).
**140.** Those who follow the most pure conduct, which is based on the Vedas, Smritis, etc., should be considered to be in the "Shukla Varga" (group of the bright ones). The rest, who are outside this purity, are considered to be impure.
**141.** Their purity and impurity should be understood based on their righteous and unrighteous conduct. Righteousness is characterized by compassionate and gentle behavior, while unrighteousness is characterized by killing living beings.
**142.** Therefore, the Jains, who follow pure conduct, are the best among all the varnas (castes). They are the true twice-born (Dwijas). They are not included in the categories of Brahmanas, etc., but are superior to all varnas and are worthy of respect in the world.
**143-144.** Now, a doubt may arise: those Jains who are twice-born or householders and who earn their livelihood through the six karmas (actions) like agriculture, trade, etc., may also be involved in violence. But in this regard, we say that what you have said is true. There may be some involvement in violence for those Jains who are householders and earn their livelihood through the six karmas. However, the scriptures also show the purification of these faults.
**145.** There are three aspects of their purity: Paksha (side), Charya (conduct), and Sadhana (means). Now, I will explain these three aspects.
**146.** Among these three, the abandonment of all violence, which is enhanced by friendliness (Maitri), joy (Pramada), compassion (Karuna), and impartiality (Madhyasthya), is called Paksha (side) for the Jains.
**147.** Charya (conduct) is the vow taken by a Jain, saying, "I will not harm any living being," whether it is for the sake of a deity, for the success of a mantra, or for the preparation of medicine or food.
**148.** If, due to carelessness, a fault is committed in this vow, then purification is achieved through atonement (Prayaschitta). After that, one should abandon the household and establish oneself in the true self (Atman).