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properties and qualities of animate and inanimate substances in terms of evolution and growth of atoms in time and space.
Religious impulse is equated with the search for ‘Truth' (Satya), that “by soul alone I am governed” (appanam anusasayi) and “let karma not bind you” (pavam Kammam na bandhaye” (Dasavaikalik Sutra). The path of enlightenment is sought by finding the Kingdom of God within one's inner self through right belief (Samyak Darshan), right knowledge (Samyak Jnana) and right conduct (Samyak Charitra).
Animate and inanimate substances constantly interact causing the world to be what it is. Soul is, by nature, omniscient and omnipotent, free and immortal. Freedom and bondage are its own creation through Karma, good and bad.
In the cycle of transmigration, the soul goes through successive embodiments in different life forms until it purifies to the greatest degree spiritually, emancipates from its attachment with all matter and experiences salvation (moksha).
Jain philosophy envisages harmonious co-existence between man and nature in the constant exertion for creating environment that is pure, peaceful and non-polluted and thus congenial and inspirational to the spiritual endeavour of human beings.
Jain scriptures have brought out vividly how and why Nature's bounty such as soil, forest, trees, minerals and water, should be used judiciously “as the bee sucks honey in the blossom of a tree without hurting the blossom". Nature should not be exploited or destroyed in a reckless manner, and Nature's balance should not be disturbed. Lord Mahavir regarded reverence of Nature as the highest virtue and destruction of environment as cruelty to Nature. He observed, “One who knows the demerit of the destruction of plant and trees, knows the merit of reverence for Nature”.
Jain religion presents a truly enlightened perspective of equality of souls irrespective of differing physical forms of living creatures ranging from human beings to animals and infinitesimal living organisms.
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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