Jain Thoughts And Prayers English Gujarati

Author(s): Kanti V Mardia
Publisher: Yorkshire Jain Foundation

Page 13

1 - JAIN THOUGHTS
THE ESSENCE OF JAINISM
knowledge, perception, bliss and energy. The contaminants are called karmic matter. Each of our actions from past to present affect karmic matter, which in turn determines our future.
3. Reincarnation
Jainism is derived from the word "Jina' which means a person who has conquered himself or herself and Jainism is equivalent to the quality of "Jainness". Jains believe that the religion was founded by Rishabha (Aadinaath) and is extremely ancient. The last Tirthankara (spiritual path-maker) of twenty-four was Mahavira (599-527 B.C.); the twenty-third was Paarsva (872-772 B.C.). The essence of Jainism is as follows:
The cycle of birth and death continues until the soul achieves Perfection. The form of each reincarnation is determined by the level of accumulated karmic matter which may be raised or lowered. Broadly speaking, a good life leads to the lowering of the level of karmic matter.
1. Self-Conquest
4. Consciousness
Each person is the architect of his/her own fate. Each individual has the potential to reach the highest spiritual level by self-improvement. There is no single supreme power, every thing exists within the self-regulatory laws of the universe.
All the living things from microscopic life to human have consciousness in differing degrees. Even plants have consciousness. All are governed by the same natural laws.
5. Reverence for Life and Non-violence
2. Karmic Matter
It is regarded as a natural law that the soul is contaminated and therefore, does not have absolute
By practising reverence for all life in thought, speech and deed, we improve our spiritual status. This, in turn, influences the level of karmic matter. Bad deeds lead to a strong bond of karmic matter
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