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The Doctrines of the Jainas
for times immemorial. They only brought the fundamental principles of Jainism to light by their extraordinary perception and knowledge. They preached them, propounded them and popularised them.
Jainism is broad-based and makes no distinction between man and man and soul and soul. Everyone is entitled to and capable of practising austerity and aspire for Nirvana, which is the highest goal. A number of principles propounded by Jainism are subtle and require careful study for proper understanding. However, some of them have even stood the test of scientific investigation and are looked upon with respect even by non-Jainas. Thus, after the pronouncement by Dr. Jagdishichandra Bose that there is life in green vegetables and plants, the Jaina belief that there are souls even in the elements like earth, water, wind and fire, is not discarded as improbable even by persons not familiar with Jaina philosophy.
True religion is the way of life. It should lead to the mental and moral upliftment of an aspirant and must provide peace and happiness for his soul. For achieving these objects and for ending suffering, Jainism has laid down five dictums. Ahimsa or non-violence is the first of them. According to the Jainas, non-violence is the highest religion. It has to be practised not only towards all human beings but also towards all animate objects having souls. The other four are (1) Speak the truth (Satya), (2) Do not commit theft (Asteya), (3) Observe celebacy (Brahmacharya), (4) Set a limit to worldly possessions. The more sincerely and the more faithfully these principles are followed, the more good they are bound to yield, both to saints and to worldly man.
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