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jainism- a brief outline
Rev Acharya Amrender Muni Ji has said: “The Jain tradition amongst all traditions worldwide, holds a very special and important place. It is important to understand what we mean by tradition. During my moments of contemplation, I felt that dharma and tradition are two different things, though they complement each other. Dharma gives you the capability to assimilate certain characteristics. Truth, good behaviour, friendship, compassion, and other such good qualities and capabilities are accquired through dharma. And tradition nurtures and protects these characteristics. It enables these good qualities to spread and flourish.
Tradition also protects good people and good qualities from the attack of negativities in society. It keeps them safe from negative influences. The Jain tradition is not oriented towards worldly enjoyment, rather, it is a path of sacrifice. It inspires a person to lead his life in a balanced, discriminating and aware manner.
Full details of the Jain tradition cannot be presented in a small write up. However, the basic foundation comprises truth, non-violence, non-possession, varied view points, and importance of the atma tatva or soul.
The meaning of "ahinsa" is non violence, meaning literally not to harm. To end someone's life is definitely violence, but to harm someone
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amrender muni ji maharaj
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