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empty rituals and use it as a platform to show off our wealth and to indulge in social climbing. Lord Mahavira had asked the rhetorical question, "Where is dharma?” He then answered the question, “Dharma lies in non-violence, self-control and penance.” (Dashavaikalika Suutra, Verse 1.02)
As per the Uttaraadhyaana Suutra, when asked the advantages of firm conviction in religion, Lord Mahavira said that, “Deep and lasting faith in dharma leads to detachment from worldly pleasures. They do not seek pleasure at the expense of others. It becomes their second nature to give solace to others even at the expense of their own happiness. Only then do they become true practitioners of religion.” Thus, deep faith in the religion leads to true understanding and practise of the teachings of the religion. - Samyagdharshana; (Page 270, Author: Ashokmuni, Publisher: Diwaakarjyoti Karyaalaya, Byaawar (Rajasthan), year 1981)
When man becomes free from fear, avarice, inducements, material comforts, attachment and aversion, remains immersed in his self and his conduct reflects non-violence, self-control and penance, it is said that he has firm conviction in Jainism.
Shaastra {Scripture}
After having determined who the true god is, who the true preceptor is and what the true religion is, let us now examine what the true scripture is.
"Aaptogyamunullanghyam adrishteshtavirodhakam.
Tattvopadeshakrit saarvam shaastram kaapatha-ghattanam." – Ratnakarandaka Shraavakaachaara, Verse 9 (Page 21, Author: Aachaarya Samantabhadra Publisher: Muni Sangh Swaagat Samiti {Sagar), Madhya Pradesh, year 1986)
A holy scripture is the instruction by the absolute authority (the supremely detached omniscient one). It is inviolable. It is beyond any contradictions. It teaches the truth. It is universally valid. It averts the erring path.
In truth, shaastras record the teachings and realisation of the absolute authority. And these teachings are of universal benefit.
The shaastra has been defined thus in the Prashamarati Prakarana of Aachaarya Umasvati:
“Yasmaad raagadveshoddhatachittaan samanushaasti saddharme.
Santraayate cha dukkhaacchastramiti niruchyate sadbhih.” - Prashamarati Prakarana, Verse 187 (Page 68, Author: Aachaarya Umasvati, Publisher: Jain Prasaarak Sabhaa, Bhavnagar, year V.S.1988)
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