Book Title: Hajarimalmuni Smruti Granth
Author(s): Shobhachad Bharilla
Publisher: Hajarimalmuni Smruti Granth Prakashan Samiti Byavar
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पंचम अध्याय : ११
not put the telescope on the blind eye, but try to develop the correct vision which is within the reach of all, and can be acquired only if one chooses. Anekāntavāda in metaphysics and ethics and so also in epistemology is thus an exponent of the broad liberalism of the Jaina thinker who however is never tired of preaching the infinitude of the modes and grades of the ultimate reality. The Jaina does not believe in vicarious emancipation. Every man must realize his ultimate freedom and unless he is earnest in the quest of truth, he cannot help himself out of the rut. Mahāvīra is merciful because he has shown us the way to truth, and not because he chooses to take the sins of erring souls on his head as their saviour. He gives the saving knowledge which must be acquired and appropriated by every individual as his own. Mercy is not exploited for giving an unlimited charter of a sinful career to the sluggards. Every man has the power (vīrya) to achieve his perfection, and for this he has to depend on his own self. He must be grateful to the great prophets who have shown the path to be followed for working off his load of accumulated sins. The Jainas have produced a wonderful philosophy and a still more wonderful code of ethics and it is incumbent upon all seekers of truth to cultivate a deep acquaintance with this heritage left to humanity.
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