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individual characteristics are freedom from doubt in kindness/compassion to all creatures, impose upon him restraint in the realm of possessive desires, becomes free from follies like superstitions and develops virtuous dispositions of honesty, gratitude, forgiveness, modesty etc. The social characteristics are not hating a meritorious being owing to certain diseased bodily conditions and the like, develops universal love to all creatures to provide equal opportunities for progress to all, rehabilitates the fallen or misguided and to publicize the righteous path. In addition to these eight characteristics, there are other characteristics that accompany spiritual awakening. These are:
i. Reduction of passions to the extent of acquiring mental
peace; ii. Turning away from the causes which enhance worldly
career; iii. Expression of the non-sceptical attitude towards the
spiritual nature of Reality; iv. Manifestation of universal compassion
Definition of Dharma (Religion) Jain canons define Dharma in many ways. For example:
Nature of an entity is its Dharma; Tenfold spiritual virtue like forgiveness etc are Dharma, Right belief-knowledge-conduct is Dharma; and protecting the living beings is Dharma.
Philosophically speaking, nature of an entity or its inherent spiritual virtue is said to be its religion/ Dharma. Nature of all living beings is to be happy and stay in a state of bliss forever. Dharma also implies as the conduct to be in tune with the transcendental nature of the soul.
Dharma is the inherent tenfold nature of soul, namely: forgiveness, humility, sincerity, straightforwardness, truthfulness, cleanliness, giving up, penance, detachment, and stay in its own nature."
Dharma is the path to achieve bliss and consists of right beliefknowledge-conduct together."
Gandhi & Jainism
Pg.231
