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SPIRITUAL LIGHT. Notes:—The author gives an instructive picture of vicissitudes of times and circumstances in order to evoke feelings of noble and high steadiness in the reader, so as to prepare him for self-realization as laid down further on. The essential form of conduct ( chāritra ) mainly depends upon the nature of the inner life so the differences in the purity of life could be easily and reasonably accounted for. Some people lead a very highly elevated and moral life while others lack noble emotions, lofty sentiments, spiritual righteousness and strength. This is done in proportion in which the spiritual powers are developed. The genuine root of all these differences lies in the strengh of religious belief-the main pivot on which the wheel of life turns. To solidify the spiritual belief the knowledge of the relation of the soul with the universe is the first essential, whereby a man could clearly see the relation of the soul with the non-soul. i.e. according to the Jain theory, the relation between the soul and the five other substances. The study of the substances together with nine principles enables one to clearly understand the evanescence of this world, the inexorable working of the karmic law, the vicissitudes of time and fortune, the supreme excellence of the inner self, the utility of religion etc;. With this study he advances in the purity of heart, compassion, charity, self restraint, truth, high mindedness, quietude etc;. He leaves off his vices as covetousness, false belief, anger, lust, etc;. the chief source of his sensual pleasures and pains which entrap him in the meshes of karma. His actions based on the altruistic principles to pro
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