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refined it is the more power it has. Non-absolutism in thinking is what is recommended in Jainism. This principle operates clearly in scientific research. Also Jain logic recommends relativity in thinking through its holistic principle called Anekantavāda.
The Purification Path
To sum up, Jainism believes that time, space, life, non-life (matter) exist and will exist forever - the universe is self-regulating; life is mainly regulated by karmons unless these are all removed. How can these be removed? A path of purification is prescribed. It is not easy since Jainism believes existing karmic matter can only be removed (before predetermined duration) through austerity, otherwise the personal karmic computer will keep on accruing karmons. It prescribes self-restraint rather than self-indulgence.
Furthermore, the person with the highest spiritual level has the total preservation of the environment in the forefront, and the karmon intake is increased on creating waste and pollution since these are regarded as acts of violence. The cue is taken from the bee that sucks honey in the blossoms of a tree without hurting the blossom, while strengthening itself".
Professor Kanti Mardia is the Head, Department of Statistics and Director, Center of Medical Imaging Research at the University of Leeds in the UK. He is the founding and current chairman of the Yorkshire Jain Foundation, Leeds. He is also ViceChairman of the Jain Academy. This article is based on the book: K. V. Mardia (1998) The Scientific Foundations of Jainism, 2nd edition, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, where the reader will find detailed information on Jainism,
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