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Universal Message of Lord Mahāvīra
He explained that by knowledge one understands the nature of substances, by faith one believes in them, by conduct one puts an end to the flow of karmas and by austerity one attains purity.
He laid great stress on right faith, which is the basis of getting spiritual knowledge. He said that the value of right faith is much greater than possessing all the treasures of the three worlds. He also said that the most important thing in life is knowledge but knowledge should be of right type. He defined right knowledge as that which helps to understand the truth, controls the mind and purifies the soul.
In educational values he laid great stress on characterbuilding qualities. He said that even a little knowledge would yield great fruit if it were accompanied by virtuous conduct. Without character, human birth is futile. He gave a very comprehensive definition of noble conduct. He said that it comprises of self-control, compassion, truth, non-stealing, contentment, right faith, knowledge and austerity. Noble conduct is the leader, which leads man to liberation, which is the ultimate goal of human life.
Lord Mahāvīra gave great importance to Acāryas in imparting of knowledge. The Ācārya should lead a life of austerity and penance. He said, “Just as a lamp lights hundreds of other lamps and yet remains lighted, so are the Ācāryas who enlighten others and remain enlightened themselves.”
A student should devote his life in acquiring the right type of knowledge. He said that a student should remain away from the following five obstacles, which are hindrances in the path of acquiring knowledge:
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