Book Title: Shantidoot Amrender Muniji
Author(s): Padmini Atal
Publisher: Universal Ahimsa Foundation

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Page 207
________________ described as Infinite Knowledge, Perception, Consciousness, and Happiness (Anant Gyan, Anant Darshan, Anant Charitra, and Anant Sukh). General Principles of Jainism Jains do not believe in an omnipotent supreme being, creator, or manager or "karta" but rather in an eternal universe governed by natural laws and the interplay of its attributes (gunas) and matter (dravya). Jainism's stance on nonviolence goes much beyond vegetarianism. Jains refuse food obtained with unnecessary cruelty. Many are vegan due to the violence of modern dairy farms, and others exclude root vegetables from their diets in order to preserve the lives of the plants from which they eat. Garlic and onions in particular are avoided by those who see them as tamasi foods, those which create angry passions. Devout Jains do not eat, drink, or travel after sunset (chauvihar) or rise before sunrise. Jains are usually very welcoming and friendly toward other faiths and often help with interfaith functions. Several non-Jain temples in India are administered by Jains. The Jain religion places great emphasis on the theory of karma. Essentially, it means that all jivas reap what they sow. A happy or miserable existence is influenced by actions in previous births. These results may not occur in the same life, and what we sow is not limited to physical actions. Physical, verbal, and mental activities play a role in future situations. Jains believe that devas (angels or celestial beings) cannot help the jiva to obtain liberation, which must be achieved by individuals through their own efforts. In fact, devas themselves cannot achieve liberation until they reincarnate as humans and undertake the difficult act of Jain Education International 205 For Private & Personal Use Only amrender muni ji maharaj www.jainelibrary.org

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