Final answer:
In Jainism, death is viewed as a part of the natural cycle of samsara, leading towards the ultimate goal of moksha, or liberation. Karma, accumulated through actions and thoughts, determines the soul's journey through reincarnation, and living a life of non-violence, truthfulness, and minimal harm is essential to achieve liberation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jainism views death as a significant part of the soul's journey towards liberation. Adherents believe in a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, a concept known as samsara. This cycle is governed by karma, which is the law of cause and effect relating to one's actions. Karma is considered to accumulate through a person's actions and thoughts, impacting the experiences of their current life as well as determining the circumstances of future rebirths.
In Jain philosophy, the ultimate goal is to achieve moksha or liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Moksha is attained when the soul is completely purified of all karmic bondage, allowing it to attain a state of eternal bliss beyond physical existence. To achieve this, Jains practice strict non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness, and asceticism, leading a life of responsibility and ethical conduct to minimize the accumulation of negative karma.
As death is part of the natural progression of the soul's development and journey towards liberation, it is not feared but rather seen as another step closer to achieving moksha, provided one lives a life in accordance with Jain teachings. Great care is taken in living a life that honors all living beings and minimizes harm, as Jains believe in karma's impact on the soul's evolution.