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in different births. Shorn of all impure deeds, all souls shine into pristine glory. As such when all living beings are equal we must have a sense of respect for all of them and give credence to their views, for no one can claim that he is the sole repository of truth, which has many facets. If a person has seen or experienced only a part of truth or a facet of truth, he cannot say that he has understood the whole truth. So Jain philosophy is based on the fact of equality and respect for others. In Jain terminology, this is known as Anekantwad. In fact it can be termed as a great effort at comprehension and synthesis.
Catholicity of approach: In keeping with its philosophy, and in consideration of bigotry prevalent in the world, Jainism has blazed a new trail even in its highest prayer called 'Navkar Mantra'. In this prayer, there is no invocation of gods, there is no personality cult; there is only the worship of good qualities. Whosoever possesses them must be paid homage irrespective of the fact whether he is a Jain or Non-Jain. Jainism clearly proclaims that there are emanicipated souls who did not have the label of Jainism on them. In fact if a person is clean and pure of mind and in this field has achieved the highest eminence, he is 'Siddha' i.e. he possesses the qualities of godhood and is therefore to be worshipped. Thus Jainism presents an example of broad-mindedness so rarely to be found in the religions of the world. Perhaps on account of this broadmindedness, Jainism could manage to survive in India whereas Buddhism, similar to Jainism in many respects, was completely rooted out of its land of birth. This charitable frame of mind can also be observed in Jain libraries called, "Granth Bhandars' where books belonging to other religions and even secular books are to be found rubbing shoulders with the books on Jainism. And these books have been helpful in reconstructing the history of India and providing the much needed missing links.
Emphasis on right knowledge and right conduct: In accordance with the emphasis it lays on behaviour in this world, Jainism believes that God is but perfected human being. It says that every living being has in it the potential of attainment of godhood one day. In this there is no preference or prejudice, no difference of caste, creed or colour, country or sex, nobility or poverty, high and low. The only condition for attainment of godhood is that one should be completely free of impure mind, which can
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Shri Vijyanand Suri Swargarohan Shatabdi Granth
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