Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
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Discussion on how to control Kashäyäs and break the Karmic Cycle The root causes of the toxic emotions are ignorance and wrong beliefs. JAINISM has recommended many ways to address these causes and structured daily rituals (spiritual practices) as well.
The first step suggested to remove ignorance revolves around knowing, understanding, and forming a firm conviction about the true nature, identity and power of our own soul (swarup/inner self).
The scriptures assert that the worldly souls have been wandering around eternally because we lack a full appreciation of who we are; as a result, we have been eternally suffering. This ignorance manifests itself in the way we think and act.
Because we do not know our true nature, we equate soul with body while, in fact, they are totally different from each other. Because of this fundamental error on our part, we tend to mistake the latter for the former. The correct approach is (1) to consider that the emotions are different from soul (2) to make our soul (sometimes called the inner voice) the driver and controller of our thoughts, emotions, and behavior and (2) to make the mind and body obey
In reality, that is not what happens. Typically, when we receive a stimulus, the mind jumps, takes the charge and orders the body to take action without the soul (self) being cognizant.
The simple solution is to slow down before reacting to any stimulus. This will allow our soul/consciousness to take the lead and utilize its intrinsic qualities of forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, contentment, charity, and compassion.
The scriptures maintain that the fire of anger can best be extinguished through the exercise of compassion and forgiveness, arrogance through humility, deception through straightforwardness and greed through contentment.
The best way to slow down our reactions to day-to-day stimuli is through the practice of meditation. It is through meditation that we focus on our inner self, calm our minds, and
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
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