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A Treatise on Jainism
affecting it. The continuance of such action is Samsara, and its discontinuance is Moksha. Illusion is the basic cause of the transmigration of Jiva in the world. This illusion consists in not understanding the true nature of Jiva and matter, and in identifying Jiva with the passions, affections and the various other conditions caused by Karmas. Love, hatred, lust, anger, greed, pride, and deceit are not the Svabhava (true nature) of Jiva; they are produced by the influence of Karmas. The true nature of Jiva is pure consciousness, which, by the effect of Karmas, has become affected with attachment, hatred and the various other passions and affections. Ignorant persons taking what are only (accidentals) circumstantials to be the essentials of Jiva, entertain hatred, and other passionate tendencies, and are ever involved in the course of transmigration. Having got rid of the above perversity and having well realized the nature of the Self, steadfastness therein is the means to the acquisition of the object of Jiva. This is what is well-known as Samyak Darshan or Samyaktva, Right Belief.
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