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necessary for spiritual advancement. The karma remains in the living being till it is cleansed through neutralizing actions. Karmic consequences are unerringly certain and inescapable. No divine grace can save a person from experiencing them. Mahavira stressed the importance of self-efforts and purity of conduct in place of devotion to God. It believes in self-endeavour, as opposed to the hand of a supreme being, for spiritual uplift and happiness.
Mahavira said, "Knowing that all hardships and afflictions are a result of one's past deeds ascetics bear them patiently like a debtor who patiently strives for payment of his debt. Just as a bird flutters its wings and removes the dust by shaking off itself, so the spiritual aspirants engrossed in austerities, annihilates the accumulated karmas of previous births."
Spirituality is independence. It is possible to both modify karma and to obtain release from it, by sublimating the self by mean of practice of austerities and self-control and purity of conduct. Even then, in some cases, there is no option but by spiritual effort, the person can inhibit future production of imprint by enjoying the result of the past imprints with equanimity. The person who has deep faith in self-efficiency and the law of karma is independent and does not invoke any help from any divine power in moments of danger. Monks are warned to refrain from propitiating the worldly Gods as an act of true religious or spiritual sadhana.
Mahavira said, "For living beings four combinations are rare to obtain: human birth, listening to scriptures, faith in religion and energy to practice self-control.True religion is the one and only island,
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