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COMPENDIUM OF JAINISM
The soul is an embodiment of infinite comprehension, knowledge, bliss and power. These are covered by the veils of the Karmas and hence they are invisible to the naked eye. So self-realization consists in the removal or destruction of the veils and realizing the inherent qualities of the soul. The ancient Indian philosophers have laid down that it is by the practice of Yoga or meditation that one can attain self-realization. The different principles of Jajna philosophy considered so far would undoubtedly disclose that it is the faithful and scrupulous practice of ethical rules and virtues that is essential for achievement of self-discipline in life. Moral discipline is preparatory to spiritual discipline.' The five vows, the ten virtues, the three guptis, the five samitis, the twelve kinds of reflections, anuprekşās and endurance of various afflictions are intended to regulate the mind and body and purge the soul from the bondages of Karmas. The worldly existence is full of miseries and privations which are of our own making. The ethical exercises provide sincere and effective scope not only for suffering them with equanimity of thought and conduct, but also for bringing about subsidence of the Karmas that beset us during our journey through life. The ethical and psychological codes ought not to be rejected with a light-heart as tedious and speculative restrictions on our enjoyment of life. They must be accepted wilth full faith as embodying the experiences of great souls who passed through life happily marching in peace and happiness towards the destination of deliverance which all souls aspire to achieve.
Omniscience is attained on the destruction of the deluding Karmas, of perception and knowledge obscuring Karmas and of the obstructive Karmas. 4 The deluding Karmas are destroyed gradually in proportion to the extent of self-control attained by individual. When the self-control is full and perfect, there emerges the purity of thought-activity which reduces the fruition and duration of the inauspicious Karmas. Purity of thought is necessary for pacification and gradual elimination of passions like anger, greed, pride and infatuation. The previous discussion about the march of the soul through fourteen spiritual stages
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