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consistent with its metaphysics, ethics, philosophy of soul and doctrine of karma.
The classification and descriptions of knowledge, given by the Jaina scholars, is convincing, minute and highly scientific. Knowledge plays an important part in the conception of soul and its emancipation. Knowledge is the soul's intrinsic, inherent, inseparable and inalienable attribute, without which no soul can exist, in comparison to which everything else is accidental. Jainism is a science of raising the human consciousness to the highest level of omniscience. The focus of Jainism has been purification of the soul by means of critical knowledge, rational faith and right conduct.
Mahavira said, “Knowledge, faith, conduct and austerity constitute the path of liberation."
The underlying philosophy of Jainism is that renunciation of worldly desires and self-conquest leads to perfect wisdom. By knowledge one understands the nature of substances, by faith one believes in them, by conduct one puts end to the flow of karmas and by austerity one attains purity. One who is situated in right knowledge, right faith and right conduct can only contend inner enemies. Karmas can be reined in and altered by the right conduct and efforts.
Mahavira said, “The value of righteousness is much greater than possessing all the treasures of the third world. He who does not tread the path of righteousness in this birth repents at the time of death."
The right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, collectively is righteousness; right way of life and together constitute the path to salvation. For right
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