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JAINS
Axiom 1: "The soul exists in contamination with karmic matter
and it longs to be purified." Axiom 2: "Living beings differ due to the varying density and
types of karmic matter." Axiom 3: "The karmic bondage leads the soul through the states
of existences (cycles).” Axiom 4A: "Karmic fusion is due to perverted views, nonrestraint
carelessness, passions and activities." Axiom 4B: "Violence ro oneself and others results in the formation
of the heaviest new karmic matter, whereas helping others towards mokșa with positive non-violence
results into the lightest new karmic matter". Axiom 4C: "Austerity forms the karmic shield against new
karmons as well as setting the decaying process in the
old karmic matter." These axioms look directly at the roots of the tree rather than its branches. The meaning and plausibility of these axioms is discussed in relation to the scriptures in the following chapters. Axioms 1-3 postulate Jain's scientific theory of karmons whereas Axioms 4A, 4B, 4C postulate its applications.
1.4. GLOSSARY
1. Tirthankara = Tīrthankara
Rsabha = Rşabha Parsva = Pārsva Mahavira = Mahāvīra (Umasvati = Umāsvāti Tattvartha-sutra = Tattvārtha-sūtra)
2. Jain Schools
Digambara = Digambara Svetambara = Śvetāmbara Sthanakavasi = Sthāna kavāsi Taranapantha = Tāraṇapantha Terapantha = Terā pantha (Mouth mask = Muh-patti)
