Book Title: Jainism
Author(s): Herbert Warren
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

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Page 117
________________ JAINISM 107 upon a certain foundation of character already developed ---kindness of heart, self-control, desire for right knowledge, and relish for truth, the internal attitude accompanying the external, visible practice of the rules. These rules bring out further knowledge, increased strength of character, greater peace of mind, sympathy, and kindness, and lead to higher levels on the way towards an everlasting, blissful, omniscience in a state of life which is natural to the real pure self, and which is open to all who wish to attain it. CONCENTRATION Is the instrument or tool to be used in the scientific development of the character, the process of separating soul from matter. As already mentioned (page 4), it is only each individual person that can scientifically separate his own soul and the matter combined with it. The separation cannot be scientifically (or in any other way) effected by another person. Concentration, as here meant, is a steady activity of the mind under the individual's own control. It is work. The scientific method of developing the character is not an artificial one; and before concentration can be used for this purpose, there must be the right attitude already described. Concentration can be used for increasing our knowledge, and for improving our conduct. In concentrating to increase our knowledge, we do not sit down and think what a thing might be or ought to be; and we cannot concentrate our mind upon a thing if we have no knowledge of it. We must get our knowledge, through the usual channels of observation and communiJain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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