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adored by the Jains as gods; since they are absolute and perfect beings, whose virtuous life on earth should be a model to the pious. But the Jains expressly deny that these gods have any direct influence on the course of events in the world. They combat the idea of a god as the creator and Governor of the universe.
I have sketched (in a bare outline ) the theory of Karma, because it is the main foundation of the philosophical and religious system of the Jains, and it will be easy from this point of view to understand most of their rules of conduct.
ETHICS OF THE JAINS I shall now deal with the Ethics of the Jains. The principal moral laws were early recognized by all Hindus; Brahmins, Budhists and Jains are at one about the four first commandments or vows, 'vratas' as they call it, i. e. not to kill, not to steal, not to lie; and to commit no adultery. Each of the three sections mentioned has a fifth vow, which, however, is different it the different religions. They agree not only with regard to the first four commandments, but also in according the prohibition to kill the first place. It will be doubted by nobody that to kill a man is an infinitely greater offence than to rob his property
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
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