________________
with the soul whereas good deeds lead to a weaker bond.
The following figure presents a hierarchy of life. As corollary to this precept, vegetarianism (with additional dietary restrictions) becomes a way to self-conquest. Alcohol is also forbidden not only because it is believed to contain millions of microorganisms, but also because it breeds passion - the number one enemy of self-conquest.
6. The Three Jewels
The Jain teaching is summarized in the so-called three jewels of Jainism:
Right Faith,
Right Knowledge,
Right Conduct.
The belief in self-regulatory universe, soul and karmic matter constitutes Right Faith. This comprehension with non-absolutism is Right Knowledge. Their consequent practice leading to self-conquest is Right Conduct.
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ī
Humans
Animals
Roots
Plants
Minerals/Water 7Air/Fire
Micro-organisas Insentient objects
10
10
4x10
5
-1
2x10
-1
3x10
-1
1072
-3
10 -4
5x10
-4
10
Perfect Souls
Spiritually Higher
Average Man Criminals
five-sensed
four-sensed three-sensed
two-sensed
one-sensed (concentrated) one-sensed
Subtle
micro-organisms
The life-axis giving the degree of the soul's purity for different beings (see Mardia, 1990, 2016).
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