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B. M. Javeria
• Every body has inherent powers to become Mahavira and to obtain nirvana ( salvation ). Only one needs to follow his path faithfully. The three noteworthy features of his path are Samyak Gyan, Samyak Darshan and Samyak Charitra. In other words the path to nirvan according to Jainism, consists in the Right Faith-ie. Faith in the truths as revealed by the Jina, Right knowledge-.e, the thorough understanding of the teachings of Jainism and Right Conduct-consists of non-injury and non-attachment i. e. living a holy and virtuous life according to the rules of conduct laid down by Lord Mahavira.
Thus the Jains have a philosophy of their own, which can solve all the knotty problems of this world more clearly than any other philosophy. This philosophy can be followed and practised at all times, at all places and under all circumstances by all sorts of people, high or low, literate or illiterate. All the same, we shoud not lose sight of the fact that as a universal religion, Jainism has been a proselytising faith from very early times.
Almost all the Jain Shastras bear testimony to the fact that Jainism was universally practised by all kinds of people. The Aryans and non-Aryans were equally received in its fold. This is supported by the fact that even at the present time some non-Aryans in the South are the strict followers of Jainism. Besides, most of the present day Jains are the converts from the ancient Kshatriyas (Rajputs ). It is further evident from the fact that all sorts of people, not to talk of animals, flocked to the preaching hall ( Samavsarna ) of the Tirthankars. We even find a mention in Jain Shastras that Shrayak Sukdalputra, & potter, was converted to Jainism by Lord Mahavira himself. That Jainism was preached in foreign countries like Arabia, Abyssinia, Greece, etc. is inseparably connected with the Jain tradition. Apart from this, Lord Mahavira himself was a Rajput by caste. Most of the powerful emperors of the ancient India as Chandra Gupta, Sidhraj, Kumparpal etc. were all converts to Jainism. Even Asoka and the great, were brought near the fold of Jainism. Recently, a German lady was converted to Jainism. All these above facts go to prove that Jainism is nothing but a universal religion,
Shatabdi Granth ]
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