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Uttam Satya
Dr. B. S. Kulkarni, Dharwar
Real aim of man in Jain Religion: Jain religion is one of the ancient religions of the world which explains systematically, logically, scientifically the existance of the universe and the working of "Jiva & Ajiva" "Matters". Jain philosophy can be explained in a simple sentence-the systematic working of "Saptatattwa" and "Saddrawya" and this is the peculiarity and speciality of Jaina Philosophy. The "Soul" having "Ananta Jnana", "Ananta Virya", "Ananta Darśana", and "Ananta Sukha" is immortal and indestructible. In its pure form, the soul is without the bondage of births and deaths and rests in the "Siddha Stla" which is at the top of Universe where there is no existance of "Ajeeva Matters" etc., in the form, as the Jaina Acaryas put it, of "knowledge", To be in the "Siddha Sila" is the main motto of Jivätmä. But because of unavoidable nature of the "Jivatma" through "Yoga", the "Atma" has become "Jivätma" having come in contact with the 'Ajiva Matters'. Being 'Jivātmā', the soul wanders for inumerable years in this 'Samsara' and for thousands of years it might have spent without any organs. After this stage and getting organs whether it is one or five, it might have taken births in the four forms and taking these forms the soul might have or might be wandering talking births and deaths in this Universe, but this is not the real nature of the soul. The real aim and object of the soul is, through its manly efforts to cut off the bondage of the 'Karma' and to achieve its original form and to rest in 'Siddhasila' being 'Parmatma', as 'Siddha' or 'Paramatma having the above said 'Ananta Catuştaya'.
To achieve this goal, the only convenient form is human form. In other forms, the soul only enjoys or suffers mechanically the fruits of 'Subha Karma' or 'Asubha Karma' and after completion of the 'Ayukarma', it automatically goes to another form which it deserves, according to its own 'Karma'. In these forms, there is no chance for the soul for human efforts. The human form is achieved by the soul because of its lot of 'Subhakarma' and it is only in this form the soul has the power of thinking. Because of this thinking power, the soul can think of good and evil and can see the things critically and can come to a conclusion that the only means to lift him towards the path of liberation or solvation is only 'Dharma'.
Definition of Dharma: When we say 'Dharma', it has become routine to believe that 'Dharma' means to follow some 'Vrata' (Vows), 'Niyamas' and worship of God and to give alms etc. From practical point of view, the Jaina religion has encouraged this aspect but to attach one-self to the outword 'Vratas' only, the soul cannot lift
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