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COMPENDIUM OF JAINISM
One cannot be changed into the other. Spirit or soul is all consciousness. It is possible for a soul to free itself from the bondage of Karmas and attain perfection. The Karmas can be annihilated and the influx of the new ones stopped. The entire ethical code of Jainism is intended to bring about that result by creating an awareness of the supreme need to acquire right faith and knowledge so that the conduct may be a manifestation of the inner goodness or the truth and beauty of the soul within.
The ten virtues are like the ten inextinguishable lamps which light the path of life; they drive away, when practised, all darkness or wickedness and make the journey smooth. Forgive all living creatures so that you shall be ever forgiven. Practise humility so that you can know more than what meets the eye. Be straightforward and you will have no occasion to fear anybody. Purity of mind and thought will ever keep life vigilant. Truth will always triumph. Self-control is an invincible armour. Austerity is an unfailing key to inner strength and enlightenment while renunciation and non-attachment always lift up an individual from the pitfalls of life. Chastity or celibacy is nothing but a strong urge to know the Self and to prevent it from being dragged by unbridled passions to fall into an abyss of lower life.
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