$JES 901 Jainism and Spiritual Awakening E9

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

Page 74

12-JAIN PATH OF LIBERATION
12- Jain Path of Liberation
In essence, Jainism addresses the true nature of soul and the reality. Lord Mahävir explained that, all souls are equal in their potential for infinite knowledge, infinite perception, infinite energy or power, and unobstructed bliss.
However, Jainism states that from eternity, the soul is ignorant of its true nature (in Mithyätva) and is in bondage with karma (Karmic particles of matter). It is due to karma that the soul migrates from one life cycle to another and faces various circumstances of happiness and unhappiness. It is due to the ignorance of its true nature that the soul seeks pleasure in materialistic belongings and possessions, and continues to feed its passions such as anger, ego, deceit, greed, lust, hatred, and self-centered violent thoughts. This action continuously accumulates new karma and suffering.
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