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Groundwork 5
is not accepted as creator of the world. Similarly, emphasis is laid on one's action and not devotion for one's liberation from miseries of the world. They also considered the division of life span and distinction between different classes of humanity as artificial. Jainism clearly propounded that man should not be condemned because of his birth in a group, but his actions should rightly determine his status in the society. Similarly it was preached that life is too transitory and uncertain and one need not wait for old age to devote oneself to religious pursuits.
16. Like all philosophies Jain philosophy answers the fundamental questions about the universe, its creation, man's origin, his duties and his destiny. It also deals with the question of Godhood at length and shows how an individual soul can achieve Godhood by practising the three fold path of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct and by practising non-violence, self control and penance.
17. It must be denied emphatically that Jainism preaches atheism. On the contrary Jainism believes in the potential power of every soul to attain Godhood.
18. Incidentally the same path if followed, leads to happiness of an individual and of the society in this world. Jainism says that there is no essential conflict between man and man, man and society and man and the state. Actually they are inter-dependent, not only is there inter-dependence between man and man but also there is inter-dependence between humanity and the animal world as well as nature.
19. It will be clear that Jain thought proves the world to be a beautiful place to live in and man has a higher aim in life. There is no pessimism, but an optimistic approach that with appropriate efforts human destiny could achieve not only super-natural powers but also Godhood.
20. Before closing this chapter a few words about historical evolution of Jain culture since Parshva and Mahaveera will be appropriate. While Parshva prescribed less rigid path permitting colored clothes for the monks Mahaveera made the conduct more
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