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Metaphysics, Ethics and Spiritual Development
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get reformed and improved, the differences of high and low imagined on the basis of birth and occupation may totally disappear. At that time also, the gotra-karma (the status determining karma) will have its place. In other words, even in those days the gotra-karma will function and give its proper fruits. Then it will account for the difference of high and low status governed by other factors. At that time we shall have to posit some karma to account for one's birth in cultured, civilised and noble family or in uncultured, uncivilised and wicked family. These conditions or circumstances are the result of ucсagotra (high status) and nicagotra (low status) karmas respectively. This type of highness or lowness is natural.
The Jaina scriptures declare that even in a person born in a low family in the present age, there is, in fact, rise of high status determining karma (uccagotra-karma), if he is endowed with right attitude or love for truth, follows rules of conduct and observes vows. In other words, the Jaina scriptures teach that whatever caste, family or lineage man may belong to, he does have the rise of ucсagotra-karma—and not of nīcagotra-karmaif he is endowed with good qualities of attitude and character. The Jaina scriptures have described with highly respectful terms and thereby honoured those who, though belonging to the lowest caste called candāla, were possessed of excellent character or conduct.
Knowledge-Devotion-Action We see that theism or doctrine of God is useful in achieving purity of mind, in building good character, in gaining self-developing inspiration and in making progress on the path of righteousness. Similarly, it is established by experience that the doctrine of karma (moral causation) is useful in keeping mental equanimity in good and bad times and in receiving urge from within for performing good acts. True devotee of God develops pure devotion to God and thereby elevates his character. Similarly, a convinced believer in the law of moral causation (karma) does never become arrogant in the days of his happiness and good fortune, nor does he become downcast and depressed in the days of his miseries and misfortune. But he remains calm and composed and maintains balance of mind at all times favourable and adverse, because he knows that all the circumstances and situations that arise in man's life are but plays of karma. He is convinced that by force of good works, man can overcome difficulties and remove miseries as also that he can make his life more and more happy by advancing on the path of righteousness. This inspires
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