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The test of Dharma
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“They must observe Samiti (Limit) and gupti (Restraint). In other words, those rules prescribed regarding the way they should walk or move or get up or sit or receive Bhiksha so that Jivas may be protected and unharmed. Even for the Grihastha Shravaks certain austerities have been prescribed such as the Samayik, Vratas, rules of conduct, devotion to gods and spiritual heads etc. and they do not contradict the rules and prohibitions even to the least extent.
The Third Point: The testing of Dharma by means of subjecting it to the process of purification by fire is this. The Dharma that has been thus purified should prescribe such rules and prohibitions and such observances and practices as would encourage noble doctrines and principles. For instance, there is the principle that a pure and enlightened soul is a tatva. If this is the truth where is the need for any prescriptions and prohibitions ? There is the prohibition, "Do not kill jivas". If there is only one soul and if there is no other soul, then to whom should violence be caused ? Who will kill whom ?
In the same manner, someone else may act upon the principle; "The soul is transitory”. In other words, it perishes in a moment. In the next moment, another soul takes birth and perishes in a moment. Now, let us think about this. If the Atmatatva or the soul is transitory thus, who will get the fruit of causing violence that has been prohibited and the fruit of Japa (austerities) and meditation ? The soul that causes violence to others or that carries out, Tap and meditation perishes in a moment. The transcience of the soul is accepted thus and the original prohibition does not accord with it. If the soul is permanent and imperishable according to the Ekanta or onesided view; if no change of any kind takes place in it; where is the chance of its attaining a modification necessary for experiencing the effect of its actions ? If it is not so, to whom are the rules and prohibitions applicable ? Not to the daily life. Therefore, in the recognition of these doctrines, the rules and prohibitions; and the observances and practices cannot be concerned or connected.
The Jain Dharma says: "The souls are countless and that
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