Page 144 - Courage Redifined

Which are the greater sins ?

Some people call injustice, cheating, etc. to be great sins in
daily life. But they may criticize Jain saints and sing praises
for the rivals of Jainism as if they are not a sin at all. Actually,
these are greater sins compared to other sins and can take one
to the seventh hell.
Why is the violation of basic fundamentals of Jainism
terrible ?

A Jain cannot afford to commit even a single sin, may it be
sins committed during daily activities, criticism of religion
or sangha or that of violation of the primary fundamentals
of Jainism. Remembering Lord Arihanta’s teachings, a true
follower of Jainism does not violate the code of conduct,
thinking that the great Almighty Lord has laid down this code.
On the other hand, there may be people who do not practice
injustice, cheating or bribery as it is against the society norms
and not by remembering Lord’s teachings. Thus, considering
the violation of the primary fundamentals of Jainism to be
minor is actually the disrespect of Lord’s preaching.

You have to understand the minute difference here. We are
not trying to say that sins that are forbidden in the society are
not sins. They are also great sins but not living in accordance
with the basic fundamentals laid down in Jainism is a sin
which is worse than the sins forbidden in the society because
it involves disrespect of Arihanta Lords .

The difference between Jainism and other religions :

Jainism is the only pure and true religion.

This is because Jainism is preached by the omniscient Lords.
Only Jainism recognizes the tiniest living creature, right upto
the one-sensed creatures. Other religions consider only non-
violence, to be the pure and complete religion.

134 Courage Redefined