________________
7. the exposition
of the Triphilosopy third phase of the whe
four Tirthankaras appeared in the time that has been passing. Bhagwan Sri Rishabhdev Adinath the first Tirthankar appeared in the third phase of the wheel Susham Dusham the time of much sorrow and some happiness. The twenty three later Tirthankars in their respective periods revitalized the same path
- the path of achievement
The twenty four Tirthankaras in their I respective periods preach the great dharma and showed a clear and straight path for the achievements of dharma. The essential form of Jain dharma has been the same from the time of Bhagwan Rishabhdev upto the time of Bhagwan Mahavir. The ultimate achievement of dharma has been Mukti or Moksha or absolute deliverance. The practice of the austerities like nonviolence and truthfulness(which is known as five vratas) has become the real means for the attainment of Mukti or salvation. In the practice of these austerities, there may be degrees of variations and at times such variation have taken place. But the essential form of the Jain dharma has not changed in the period of any Tirthankara and such a change will never take place. Shraman Bhagwan Mahavir restated the same eternal truth as was preached by Tirthankar Bhagwan Rishabhadev. The same message is today known as Jain dharma. The twenty
The path of achievement relating to the
Jain dharma has been divided into two kinds on the basis of the ability and strength of the individuals. One is the acceptance of the life of an ascetic for the sake of ones spiritual prospective and this is an arduous path of attainment. The other kind is that of house holder. He accepts partial vows.
- total
This means to be completely detached
from all sinful actions caused by all kinds of delusions. In accordance to their ability and means for religious and social activities, they render manual service and they also render service to society with magnanimity.
A spiritual aspirant's prayer: Irrespective of my thinking, belief, desire or conviction,
O Lord, let thy will be done!!
GUIDELINES OF JAINISM
