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254: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD of the four possible forms (human, animal or plant, celestial or hellish being) till its “karma” be totally cleansed by conquering passions, attachment, hatred, etc. All devotees firmly agree with such a creed and act or try to act accordingly
Further, Jains practice a very comforting religion because it does not sentence them to a possible everlasting hell and it bears witness of an obvious mercy toward all living beings. It depends on them and of them alone to act correctly and to follow the recommended path, step by step, to avoid remaining in our world of suffering, ignorance, misfortune or going in those of heavenly or infernal beings that are not of absolute happiness and perfection, far from! Jains have been taught they can so be liberated sooner or later, according to their personal will and activities.
They have moreover a religion that preaches great virtues of nonviolence, kindness, compassion, tolerance, equanimity and peace towards all living beings a thing acknowledged by more and more people face to wars and bad treatments of all kinds. Nevertheless, some critics may say it is a religion that does not believe in a God creator and judge. It is a fact, but they are not materialists, they believe in the existence of souls, an infinity of souls, and in the possibility to all to attain, rapidly or not, according to their merits or demerits, purity, omniscience, and to become themselves Gods. Jains have found an answer to the question everybody asks in this world. It is as it is, but it gives satisfaction to them! There is a great interrogation about life and death and that is their answer!
In writing this book, we wanted neither to defend this faith nor to convert anybody to it. Our only desire was to have a digest on the adepts of one of the great Indian religions and philosophies of which very few people know precisely what it is and even its existence for
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