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Thus we see that these principles, preached by Lord Mahāvīra, are universal in character and are applicable to every individual in any society. These simple rules can be practised without the least philosophical speculation, even by ordinary people. Integral View of Life
Jainism takes an integral view of life. Eighter faith or only knowledge by itself cannot take us to the path of salvation. We should have a combination of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct to tread the path of salvation. These constitute the three jewels of Jainism. Without right faith, there is no right knowledge and without right knowledge there is no virtuous conduct. Lord Mahāvīra says, "By knowledge one understands the nature of substances; by faith on believes in them; by conduct one puts an end to the flow of karmas and by austerity one attains purity." (Uttarādhyayana Sūtra, 28.35)
Concept of Karma
The significant achievement of Tirthankara Mahāvīra's revolution in spiritual field was the upholding of the concept of Karma in place of God, the creator. He said that man is the architect of his own destiny and he can rise only by his own efforts and not by the grace of any external agency. God is devoid of attachment, hence there is no need for him to create this universe, which is beginingless and endless.
Every inexplicable event in the life of an individual occurs due to the karmas accumulated in his previous birth. Karma is conceived as something essentially material which get interlinked with soul which is concious. As particles of dust get attached to the body smeared with oil, so does karma with the soul. Lord Mahāvīra says, "Attachment and aversion are the root causes of karma and karma originates from infatuation. Karma is the root cause of birth and death and these (birth and death) are said to be the source of misery." (Utta.Sū 32.7). He further adds, "None can escape the effect of their own past karmas. (Utt.Sū. 4.3).
Religion in Day to Day Activities
A householder should lead his life in Such a way that he
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