$JES 203 First Step of Jainism Level 2 Book

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

Page 27

(feeling pertaining karma), Näm (body structure determining karma), Gotra (status determining karma) and Äyushya (life span determining karma). They are responsible for environment for our happiness and unhappiness, our body, social status and life span. When the Kevalis destroy the remaining four Aghäti Karma, they become Siddhas.
Siddhas are liberated souls. They are pure consciousness and do not possess a body. They have ended the cycle of birth and death. They have attained salvation. They do not have any type of past karma and they do not acquire any new karma. This state of pure freedom is called Liberation in Jainism. The crescent arc above the swastika represents Siddhashilä. Siddhas reside in the space (above the crescent moon) called Moksha.
Ächäryas
Ächäryas are spiritual leaders and head of the Jain congregation. They have acquired a high level of spiritual excellence. The
FIVE VENERABLE PERSONALITIES
teachings of Lord Mahävir are carried on by the Ächäryas. They are responsible for the spiritual welfare of the entire Jain congregation. Generally they know various languages and have a sound knowledge of other philosophies and religions of the world.
Upadhyäys
THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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