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task, we have already won half the struggle of attaining liberation without having to go to Derasars (temples) and performing numerous rituals. Of course, engaging in the rituals and going to Derasars will aid to embrace our soul, yet they are not necessary to attain enlightenment, unlike other religions.
What I have concluded about the Jain religion is that you and solely you define it. There's a straightforward dividing line between indicting the correct procedures to attain liberation, and the incorrect ones. There are no rules in this religion, because you make the rules according to your capability. Yes, we often say that we cannot eat meat, but in reality, our religion is of importance for understanding of why we shouldn't eat meat. If we don't understand why, and don't believe in the reason, then there's no use following such an idea. Belief and trust are necessary ideals of Jain Darshan, because without one or the other, you are no where but trapped in the midst of the cycle of birth and death, and karma will always be bonded with you. Our primary mission, along with uncovering our soul, should be to eradicate as much karma we can-one method is circling back to the practice of Bhavanas. As I mentioned earlier, the Jain religion is based upon each individual. No one can really help another, because you have your own karma, just like everyone else has their own karma.
I have found my self progressing to live by the rudiments Jainism has outlined for me. It has taught me to be honest, compassionate, open minded, and independent. Without a doubt, this religion is so exceptional, so exclusive: It never criticizes other religions, and neither does it tell us to hate them. Instead it encourages us to be aware of the religions surrounding our own, and absorbing the positive qualities of each one. Thus, I have learned to broaden my views regarding any matter, because one picture can tell several stories at once.
So simple is the foundation of the Jain religion, yet so complex to follow. What I think makes it so challenging is that everything's based on you. Your thoughts, words, actions and karmas all morph together to illustrate your own individual life. It is the control or looseness that you possess to determine your destiny, and each and every little thing you do is recorded and programmed into the intricate system of the karma theory. Just imagine how much we, humans are capable of...and yet we seem so frail and unsuccessful. But there's that challenge again: to discover the ever radiating capacity and energy of our soul. Impossible as it seems, but everything and anything, as this religion describes it, is possible.
I personally like this challenge I have been given. Honestly, without the insight I have gained from Jain Darshan, I'd say my life would be mediocre and boring as the girl next to me in my English class. But the fact that I belong to an identity, a Jain, and have my own custom-made beliefs and values, I consider myself lucky to be born into a family with such morals. Actually no, I take that back. I consider it my fortunate karma to be born as a Jain, and to be given the chance to uplift my soul from Manushya to Moksha as quickly as possible. <>
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
Jain Education International
198
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I have found my self progressing to live by the rudiments Jainism has outlined for me. It has taught me to be honest, compassionate, open minded, and independent. Without a doubt, this religion is so exceptional, so exclusive: It never criticizes other religions, and neither does it tell us to hate them.
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