________________ Vol. II/No. 4. Eternal Wisdom cycles of births and rebirths, one should constantly make efforts in Dharma - which is like a boat to cross the Samsara, which is like a great ocean (i. e. this world where there is conitnuous birth and rebirth )." "" The great Tirthankaras have explained this Dharma as follows. (1) Utmost compassion for all creatures (ftant), (2) Complete truthfulness ( 727 ) and purity. (site), (3) Total freedom from covetousness (BTEDT), (4) Perfect abstinence from sex ( af), (5) Blameless discarding of all possessions ( 39fce), (6) Stoppage of eating after sunset and of consumption of wines, liquors and meats and all foods which are made out of a very large number of Jiwas ( 37777 #19 -- it is said that in a part as small as a pinhead of most roots like onions there are an infinite number of Jiwas - and hence the prescription against eating them ), and other various forbidden ( 377784 ) foods. ( The whole subject of the nature of life is dealt with at great length in Jain Shastras such as Jiwa Wichara and Pragnya Pana Sutra ), (7) Unblemished humility, (8) Statements (of religion ) which because they do not contain any unnecessary mystery, are easy to understand. (9) Total tranquility ( tia ) and (10) Simplicity of heart. This Dharma, starting from charity to all who are deserving and needy, is like the Kalpawruksha (a tree said to bestow any boon asked of it) since it leads right up to the greatest of all fruits that is Moksha (Liberation). Further, just as all good qualities (TOT) are rooted in humility (faqe ), in a like manner, the pillars of religions are the faith in the right God, the right Guru and the right Dharma. Such a faith is called Samyaktwa ( 97374182 )." "Till this Samyaktwa is reached, this Samsara (i.e. the world of births and rebirths) is like an ocean that is very difficult to cross for all Jiwas, and till that time there is always the experience of deep pains and anxieties. Hence O Men! Be of faith, that only he is God who is Witaraga
