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be gradually cultivated by disciplining the mind by having true faith, true knowledge and true conduct. One may start as 'Bahiratma' i.e. person given to enjoyment of worldly and sensual pleasures, and not caring for spiritual life. But slowly, he would know the difference between worldly joys which are momentary and abiding inward happiness. The moment he becomes conscious of this difference and starts meditating on it, he becomes 'Antaratma' i.e. one given to thinking of the reality, which would lead him to know that soul is the real thing, and poverty and riches health and illness, joy and misery, etc. are the result of 'karmic matter' attaching to the soul. The moment this 'karmic matter' is removed by self discipline, the soul will become Perfection Incarnate, which state is known as 'Parmatma' i.e. godhood. Thus this salvation can be achieved not by blessings and boons showered by divine powers, but by strict self effort born of right knowledge and right conduct combinedly. There is an elaborate discussion on how the soul can progress in fourteen different stages. One who has attained, say the 8th stage or step can fall down to the first step if he does not remain ever vigilant in his behaviour which essentially emanates from the mind. Thus with so much stress on one's behaviour, will it be too much to say that Jainism is a guide to the art of living.
Strict norms of conduct : The followers of Jainism have been organized into four sections consisting of 1) monks, 2) nuns, 3) laymen and 4) lay women. In Jain terminology, they are called Sadhu, Sadhvi, Shravik and Shravika. All combined are known as 'Chaturdik Sangh i.e. fourfold organiation, which is considered soverign in religious matters. No one section can dictate to the other, and if one section goes astray the others can correct it. In other words, there is no system of priesthood, in which there can be and is exploitation of the lay men for vested interests. In Jainism, if a monk goes astray, he is declared 'bhrasht' or fallen down and is ostracised. Elaborate rules have been prescribed for two main sections, and non observance of those rules renders one liable to earn the epithet of 'bhrasht'. Of course, the rules laid down for the monks and nuns are much more rigorous than those prescribed for laymen and on account of greater discipline of body and mind, they are given greater respect. A study of these rules demonstrates that it is expected of laity to lead a life which assures peace to one and all in society. The guiding principle underlying all these rules is the spirit of non violence. A glance at The Art Of Living Called Jainism
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