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Shri Ashtapad Maha Tirth - II
clings to the self. In Jainism, annihilation of the Dravya and Bhav is very important. It is essential to earn self purification. Thus 'Bon' and 'Jainism' asserts the annihilation of karma as essential. It is inevitable for self purification. We must admit that Jainism is more subtle and authentic than ‘Bon', in establishing an analysis and in the process of annihilation of karma. ‘Bon' and 'Jainism' both accept the expansion of self purification through 'oneness with the other the feeling of other as me" - 'Aatmopamya bhav' For 'Bon' and 'Jainism' "science of the self” is not an idea but a practice. It is not a theory but a way of life. In the highest state of 'Bon' a state of wisdom is formed, in which all sins and sinful thoughts are transformed into wisdom. With this wisdom differences are melted and equanimity is experienced in each and every part of the world - animate or inanimate.
Jainism very emphatically accepts that equanimity is a way of life. 'Karemi Bhante Samaiyam' O Lord, I accept equanimity. This is a vow. This is a kind of feeling where in the other is me. It is expressed in all experiences of the world. This view of life is 'Ahimsa'- It is a unique feature of Jainism and is to be retained and preserved by all human beings. This commonality between 'Bon' and 'Jainism' indicates that, these two religions are life oriented and self oriented. Spirituality is not an ism nor a theory but a way of life. For these two religions, peace and equanimity is the way of life. Before thousands of years in the noble land of silence and tranquility these two religions were living in total harmony. Let us salute the pious land - the land of Kailash and Ashtapad.
Bon and Jain Religion - A comparative study
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