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The Path of Arhat: A Religious Democracy
(2) Self reliance Both believe that liberation of self from bondage is in its own hands.
(3) Denial of any super-power as the final arbitrator of our destiny.
(4) There are infinite souls each striving for its own liberation.
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(5) Non-souls cannot be called Maya. They are as real as souls.
(6) Both believe that Vedas are not of divine origin and cannot be taken as final and absolute authority.
(7) Outright rejection of caste distinction by both. It is Karma and not birth which can decide a social class to which one belongs. All souls have equal potentiality to be liberated.
(8) Non-recognition of four Asramas in life by Buddhists and partly even by Jainas who put great emphasis on total renunciation and austerities.
(9) Rejection of Avatarvada by both.
(10) Tirthankaras and Buddhas were born as humans and attained total liberation by their own efforts.
(11) The words of Tirthankaras and Buddhas provide proper guidance but to gain liberation one has to exert himself, without any favours from above.
(12) Shedding of karmas by avoiding desires and attachment is the only path of salvation.
(13) Rituals and ceremonies are of no help in case the inner development is wanting.
( 14 ) Non-violence ( Ahimsa ) in every field of life is the guiding principle.
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