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138: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD
The devotees must to this end read the sacred books with attention, devotion and zeal. They should do this with respect and humility on regular basis, without distraction and with an open mind. They must also ask the difficult passages be explained to them, so as to not commit errors.
In particular, the adepts are encouraged to listen to the explanations and comments on the sacred texts made by the Jain scholars or learned ascetics. They must attend sermons, lectures, conferences, interviews, and read written materials on the subject. Like right vision, right knowledge also needs eight requirements.
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Right conduct (Samyak- cāritra)
With the help of right vision (faith) and knowledge, the Jain laity must follow the rules of conduct outlined in numerous texts to progress on the path to liberation.
Right conduct is the concrete realization of right vision and right knowledge. It may be partially (vikala-cāritra) or wholly (sakala cāritra) carried. The latter is that of the ascetics who have no family ties and are not socially, professionally or otherwise limited. The former is less strict; it takes the daily lives of the devotees in count.
The rules of conduct especially laid for laypersons include, according to their step at spiritual level: six daily religious duties, twelve vows and a significant number of basic virtues.
4. Their daily religious duties, their vows and virtues
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Daily religious duties of the Jain laity
The sacred texts lay down six religious duties (āvaśyaka) the Jain laity has to perform everyday to remain permanently on the straight
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