Book Title: This is Jainism
Author(s): C N Zutshi
Publisher: C N Zutshi

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Page 17
________________ ( 5 ) on a journey from the animal to the divine. The human soul can attain the highest pinnacle of spiritual glory through various stages of purification. In its consummation, in its perfect condition the soul enjoys its true and eternal character, whereof the characteristics are the four infinites-m-infinite perception of faith, infinite khowledge, infinite power and infinite bliss. Man must control his material nature by his spiritual nature. The soul attains perfection only after the entire subjugation of matter. It then attains freedom and happiness. It is such a free and happy soul that is called Jain, the conqueror, or Tirthankara the guide These perfect souls reach the height of Godhead with all its known connotation. It is clear that this conception of Godhead is more rational and scientific than the ideal of extracosmic God sitting on High and guiding human affairs. According to the Jaina system of thought, a man's progress is endless and he attains his Godhead through a long process of evolution and persistent self-effort. That is the glory, that is the destiny of man guaranteed by Jainism. This ideal is nor exclusively ineant for those who are in a Jain family or believe in its

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