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31169/2, 361-7A, 2016
here has clarified the position that "soul is supreme soul" i.e. there is no separate entity like creator. But the very soul when it accomplishes the highest evolution by disciplined conduct, actives the supreme status. The power of manifestation of self into absolute is in the man itself. Because of this excellence of man as proclaimed in Jain religion, God having all worldly power becomes quite unimportant. It is needless to mention that to achieve the absolute good man has been given importance in compassion to other living beings or even to god & Goddess. To achieve the goal of human dignity Jainism advocates establishing social equality. Against the glaring practices of social discrimination Jaina forged their opposition and gave full freedom to one and all without discrimination of caste, creed, sex and colour. In this way the society as envisaged by Lord Mahavira, was a society where social stratification was not hereditary and where complete freedom was granted to the man to change to the class of their own aptitude. As mentioned in Acharanga Sutra (2.49): "soul is neither high nor low, one should not therefore covet status". The worldly soul (living beings) transmigrates from higher to lower pedigree and vice-versa; therefore, truly speaking, he is neither low nor high. In other words, the distinction of class is only arbitrary. It has been also said in Uttaradhayayan Sutra (25.2931): “One does not become a 'rama'a by tonsure, nor a Brahamin by chanting the sacred syllable "om', nor a Muni by living in the caves, nor a Tapasa by wearing clothes of grass and bark. One becomes a monk by equanimity, a Brahaman by chastity, a Muni by knowledge and a Tapas by penance".
In other words a man does not become great by birth, but he becomes great by his deeds. In this manner Jainism refutes casteism and class system and advocates for the dignity of man.
Jainism recognises the principle of interdependence also. It has been mentioned in Jaina scriptures that everyone and everything is interconnected as part of the living Earth. We are bound together in a web of mutuality. We need each other to survive and flourish - humans and all of nature. We are not alone
