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therefore only four ethical vows sufficed to guide their conduct. Today, Mahavir's monks are smart but vulnerable to the declining ethical standards of the society. Hence they need an additional vow of celibacy."
Keshiswami was pleased by the answer and asked another question, “Whereas we, from Parshva's tradition wear divine yellow robes, why have Mahavir's monks shunned all clothing?"
I replied, "Clothes are but external trappings to remind an individual that he is a monk. Clothes do not help anyone in his sadhana Our passions are our enemies and are of no real use. In reality, and victories over our
both Tirthankars have repeatedly passions ultimately enable us to achieve the greatest victory said that rational vision, rational - that over our own Self. When
knowledge, and rational behavior we win this single battle, we win them all.
(samyak darshan, samyak gyan, and samyak charitra)* are the three jewels that pave the road to moksha. That foundation is common to both our traditions."
Keshiswami asked, "Ganadhar Gautam, life is an endless battle with thousands of enemies. Who are these enemies, and how do we defeat them?"
I replied, "Our passions are our enemies and victories over our passions ultimately enable us to achieve the greatest victory - that over our own Self. When we win this single battle, we win them all."
Keshiswami continued, “A poisonous plant grows in all our hearts, and bears destructive fruits. How can one destroy this plant?"
These three together are called “Ratnatraya' or Three Jewels and form the basis of Sraman and therefore of Jain philosophy.
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