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JAIN JOURNAL
The way of life outlined by Jainism is not a mere copy of the ways suggested by the religions which originated before and after it. It is unique in itself. Here the purification of character is the most important thing. Nothing acts as a substitute for character. The triratna shapes the character of a man and prepares him intellectually and spiritually too and thus purifies him. Only such a purified man can aspire after mokşa. Thus, the triratna acts as his friend, philosopher and guide in his way to mokşa.
Being thus charmed with this way of life, I take refuge to the Tirthankaras, promulgators of the triratna.
mokşamārgasya netāram bhetāram karmabhūbhytām jñātāram visvatattvānam vande tadgunalavdhaye
--Sarvārthasiddhi, ch. 2, sl. 2.
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