$JES 302 Jain Philosophy Level 3 Book

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

Page 57

FOUR REALMS
animals and birds, etc., who have minds cannot think or restrain nearly as much as humans and therefore their progress is compromised. Overall there is a great degree of passive suffering and dependency in their life.
Infernal Beings: As an infernal being (living beings of hell), one has to continuously suffer. Most of the time, infernal beings fight among themselves and cause more suffering to each other. Such a life is, therefore, absolutely unsuitable for spiritual pursuit.
Conclusion : Thus, it is clear that out of these four Gatis or destinies only human life is suitable for spiritual pursuit and capable of freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Let us now try to understand what leads a soul to different destinies.
Those who engage in violence, lying, stealing, and excessive sensual pleasure or are too possessive, angry, egoistic, greedy, deceptive, or intensely attached to the worldly life are likely to be re-born as infernal beings in hell.
Those who are selfish, deceptive, cause troubles, or wish evil for the others are likely to be re-born as the Tiryancha.
Those who are simple and disciplined, observe vows, behave well, have a good character, and follow a good moral life are generally re-born as heavenly beings.
Those who are simple, straightforward, observe vows and restraints, have faith in true teachers, attempt to gain true knowledge, have only a slight attachment, have a controlled level of anger, greed, or deception, and try to follow the religious teachers are generally re-born as humans.
In conclusion, we (the souls) are the masters of our own destiny and we should not blame anyone or anything else for our destiny. Let us aspire to lead a spiritual life without delay so that we may be reborn as human beings again and continue to progress on the path of liberation.
Here and now is the only existence.
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE I