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The nobility of human nature can shape human destiny. Jain Religion maintains that in the course of the ongoing cycle of birth and death, incarnation as a human being is at the highest stage. It is thus presumed that to deserve being born as a human being, the soul in its earlier incarnations as bird or beast would have pursued a noble path of good deeds.
Since human beings alone among all other living beings have the talent mix of intellect, ingenuity, perspective and rationality, they should shape their destiny by following the path of Right Perception (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana) and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra). They would, thus not only work for the emancipation of their souls, but for the overall health and well being of mother Earth and fellow living beings.
The philosophical approach of Jainism to progress in terms of overall community welfare and happiness is contained in the following observation of Bhagavan Mahavir as enumerated in Nirgranth Pravachan:
खामेमि सव्व जीवा सव्वे जीवा समंतु मे मित्ती मे सव्वभूएसु ai Husi ut quis ( 5 )
I seek forgiveness for all beings All living beings forgive me I am friendly to all
And harbour hostility to none
Jain religion does not believe in the institution of God. Its 24 Apostles (Tirthankaras) who have guided the Jain religion were all human beings who took to the path of renunciation in search of emancipation from earthly bondage. If they could attain salvation (Nirvana), so could any human being if he chooses to follow their path. And until he moves on that path, he lives life guided by sentiments of piety, compassion, tolerance and non-violence. He does not cease
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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