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4 Hand Book of Jainology duties of the life of Shravaks, they attain spiritual progress gradually,
In this manner, after the spirit of renunciation and the enthusiasm of vitality develop, they discard all attachments for samsar. Then they undertake such subtle vows as Ahimsa (non-violence) truthfulness etc. and become Munis. After having observed the five observances such as the Jnanachar they destroy all their Karmas and attain Moksha.
The Jiva attains this all round special elevation through many lives. Just as students keep progressing from class to class, the Jiva also keeps progressing through various states of existence. Finally, in the human state of existence, the Jiva gets the opportunity of attaining the highest level of perfection. If the Jiva commits a mistake in any life, there will be retrogression. The Jiva falls spiritually to a lower level. In such a case, the Jiva has to put forth increased endeavours to attain elevation.
Therefore, the Jivas should not treat the jivas of the lower levels with dislike or hatred; they should not give way to despair or worries with respect to themselves but they should, keep the objective of attaining progress in Dharma; in Yoga i.e. in spiritual discipline; and in the attainment of worth; and make the necessary endeavours for the attainment of those objectives.
In the next chapter, we shall make a detailed discussion of Tatvas and the path of salvation. Questions : (1) How do the creation and the management of the universe
go on? (2) What appeared first in this world -- Life or inert matter ? (3) Explain life or Jiva in terms of the growth of a tree. (4) Give an account of the history of the Jivas. (5) What is pure Dharma ? Why is it called so ? (6) Explain the term, the tree of Dharma. How is the path of
salvation ?
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