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BASICS OF JAINISM
25 Swastika (Säthiyä)
The Sanskrit word 'Swastika' means well being. The Swastika or Säthiyä is a symbol of well being.
The four arms of the Swastika show the four states of existence or Gatis of the embodied souls:
Human Beings
Heavenly Beings
Animals and Plants
Hellish Beings
1 Human beings (Manushya)
Jains believe that one can attain liberation only by being born as human being. Humans have the ability to think and reason. Their ability to eliminate karma through self-control (Sanyam), austerity (Tapa) and meditation can lead them to liberation. Heavenly beings (Devas) Heavenly beings have superior capabilities and more material pleasure compared to human beings. This life of pleasure is not permanent. They cannot adopt restraints or eliminate all attachments (Räga) or aversions (Dvesha). Therefore, there is no liberation from the heavenly life and such heavenly beings will have to be reborn as human beings
in order to attain liberation. 3 Animal and Plant Beings (Tiryancha)
Living beings in Tiryancha category include animals, birds, and all types of plants. These are viewed as living beings of a lower consciousness. Although some animals may be capable of a certain degree of thinking, overall there is a great degree of passivity
Did you know?
The Swastika reminds us of the four states of
existence
36
THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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