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It is also noteworthy that among historical women sadhvis (monks), there used to be women from all Hindu castes Brahmin (Preachers) Kshatriya (Warriors) and lower castes and all of them became highly learned and promoted Jainism vigorously and effectively. There are numerous other similar examples. Thus, the role of women in Jain religion has been very progressive and ennobling.
Jain religion has an attitude of respecting all enlightened benevolent learned and holy persons. Jain Mahamantra "Namokar Mantra" depicts this secular outlook very succinctly. In this prayer, Jains bow before the virtues and do not pray to a specific prophet or monk by name. This Mahamantra has the charismatic strength to destroy sins and to make a human being open and responsive to learning from all learned persons.
Jain religion stands for peace and works to eliminate wars, conflicts and violent bloodshed. Differences should be settled between individuals or nations through peaceful negotiations.
Jain principles are universally applicable and provide very valuable base to develop interfaith creative engagement for spreading the culture of non-violence, for restraining the mad pursuit of consumerism and materialism, for developing objective approach to issues through an attitude of nonabsolutism (Anekant) and for promoting limiting of wants and desires through practice of voluntary denial and abstinence (aparigraha).
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Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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