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The Doctrines of the Jainas
65
“Though many leave the house, some of them arrive but at a middling position between house-holder and monk; they merely talk of the path to perfection. The force of sinners is talking."-Sutrakrtanga Sutra.
And again says the Uttaradhyayana Sutra: "Clever talking will not work salvation; how could philosophical disputation do it? Fools, though sinking lower and lower through their sins, believe themselves to be wise men."
So the greatest of all wars is with our selfish deeds, our false speech, our lustful feelings, our proud thoughts. And the warrior within, the Pure Kshatriya, is our own spiritual soul--the possessor of knowledge and of intuitive perception. In this idea we gain an explanation as to why Mahavira and the other Tirthankaras were of Kshatriya caste. The victorious Warrior attains to Brahmanahood and so the Acharanga Sutra says that "the Noble Ones preach the Law impartially."
Now, our ordinary human nature likes to postpone the commencement of the Inner Life. When this inclination arises we must repeat the Sutrakrtanga Sutra:
"Know that the present time is the best opportunity to mend.
“The strength to start the Holy War against our lower and violent self is within. "Freedom from bonds is in your innermost lieart."
---Acharanga Sutra
He who does not undertake this Holy Mission is not a Jaina, though he be born of Jaina parents and observe
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