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a razor. Therefore, now that we have got the human birth which rarely happens to a jira, we must give up all to reach the goal, however difficult the path
may be to travel through. (12) Dharma bhåvand–This means con
stantly reflecting on the essential nature of a true religion. Religion not saturated with piety, with the spirit of innocent service to humanity and other sentient (sachit) beings is but a sham. For, it is mercy that lends colour to the soul of religion. Real mercy proceeds from right-vision, veracity and philanthropy. He who never tells a lie, sticks to truth even unto death, is indifferent to the worldly loss or gain, helps the needy and has an unwavering faith in the words of a jiva, the victor, is really a righteous man from the Jain
point of view. These are the twelve kinds of reflections which help a jiva in his efforts towards the
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