$JES 203 First Step of Jainism Level 2 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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BASICS OF JAINISM
As thoughts are the root cause of words and actions, violent thoughts that may or may not result in violent actions are considered bad because they do the most damage to your soul. Vegetarianism is just an expression of this belief of compassion for all living beings. Anekäntaväda (Non-Absolutism)
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various
Understanding truth from standpoints is Anekäntaväda. Considering our limited scope of arriving at complete truth, Jainism presents the theory that truth is relative to the viewpoint from which it is known. All knowledge is multi-sided and true only from a limited perspective. Once we acquire this attitude, we will always be tolerant of others' viewpoints and willing to learn from it. Accepting partial truth in each one sided view we can lead a life of partnership and participation, a life of friendliness and harmony.
Aparigraha (Non-attachment/Nonpossessiveness)
Possession of material things is external possession. Attachment to material things and people is internal possession. Both can lead to anger, ego, deceit and greed. Attachment is the cause of all our problems. The practice of non-attachment leads to equanimity in our lives, which is necessary for the salvation of our soul.
Karma Theory (Law of cause & effect)
The soul is like a magnet
Karma is like iron particles
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Our Kashaya (anger, greed, deceit and ego) attract these particles to the soul which get bound to the soul. Due
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Jain Enternational
Our goal is to get rid of all previously attracted particles and stop attracting new particles like demagnetization We do this through knowledge, equanimity, tolerance, penance, selfcontrol, forgiveness, repentance, reverence, compassion, service, meditation and renunciation.
Texts/Scriptures
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to this continuous accumulation of Karma, the soul has to pass through the cycles of birth and death.
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The Jain scriptures called "Ägams" are based on the teachings of Mahävirswämi. They are composed in ArdhaMägadhi Präkrit language, the common language during the time of Mahävirswämi.
There are many other works by noted Ächäryas, Upädhyäys, Sädhus, Sädhvis, and scholars throughout history, which into the details of go every aspect of life.
THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
Glossary Ägam
Ahimsä
Anekäntaväda
Aparigraha
Jina
Karma
Kashaya
Krodha
Lobha
Mäna
Mäyä
Tirthankar