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Universal Message of Lord Mahāvīra
Right type of spiritual knowledge is of five kinds: scriptural that which is derived through the five senses and the mind (Matijñāna); clairvoyance, telepathy and omniscience. The vitiated mind is like a furious elephant but can be controlled by the goad of right knowledge.
As the light from even millions of burning lamps is of no avail to a blind person, so too, the study of numerous scriptures is of no use to a person who has no character.
The monks and nuns always observe five vows; total abstinence from violence, from falsehood, stealing, sex and possessions. Any person, who deems wealth, belongings and relatives to be his protectors and believes that they belong to him and he to them, is unwise because in adversity, none of them can save him nor offer him shelter. Through austerities, one can get results of his past deeds destroyed and his soul purified. By practising several such exercises in their life, more so during these days, Jains attempt at a harmonious and peaceful approach to life.
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