Insight 1: The existence of eternal, independent Soul
What makes Jainism unique amongst all the world's great religious traditions and most conducive to self-reliance, overcoming adversity and attaining happiness? Jainism's insight that the Soul is the individual's real Self and that the Soul is eternal, independent, and with qualities of peacefulness, happiness, and equanimity.
The Soul represents the essence of what we are in reality; that is, what we are as a pure, Divine, eternal Soul. Happiness and joy, love and compassion, exquisite wonderment and vitality are just a few of the fulfilling experiences that result from the experience of the Soul. By focusing on our Soul and living according to the following four Jain insights we increasingly experience its qualities, which disperse and supplant adversity.
Insight 2: Non-harming
The nature of Soul is that of non-harming toward all living beings. Ideally, non-harming occurs in our thoughts, words, and actions. It is the emotions of anger, ego, greed, and deceit which most often underlie actions that involve harming. Harming others is seen as ultimately harming one's self.
Insight 3: Non-absolutism
This insight outlines the super complex nature of reality. Accordingly, each individual has her/his personal understanding of reality. Each individual has had unique experiences in life on which is based their knowledge, understanding, and points-of-view. Thus, each person's thinking and opinions are relative to their experience. With this in mind differences between people can be seen as natural occurrences. Through discussion and learning from others, peaceful settlement of differences can occur. The practice of non-absolutism leads to truth, understanding, acceptance, tolerance, forgiveness, and respect for the opinions and ways of others.
Insight 4: Non-attachment
From a particular viewpoint, the Soul has no attachment to people, worldly places or things. It is our uninformed involvement in worldly attachments which leads to unhappiness and thwarts sustained happiness. As opposed to suffering from reliance on worldly stimulation, continued focus on the "Divine" characteristics of one's Soul becomes our source of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Insight 5: The Law of Action-Reaction
This insight is the great liberating motivator. It informs us that our actions in thought, word, and deed create a reaction which in turn determines our destiny. Through knowledge of the independent Soul, it is realized that we alone must take full responsibility for our experiences. Through awareness of this dynamic we control our destiny by making those actions which will coincide with our desired future experience.
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