The discussion of Karma theory has made it
plain that the human self is the center of ethical existence and that, by
virtue of its knowledge and consciousness, it has infinite powers.
However, these superior qualities are concealed for the developing
individual due to the overlay of Karma. It therefore becomes the ultimate
goal of the individual to achieve the pure form of the self and to attain
absolute being. Though difficult, this goal is possible because human
nature is rational and voluntaristic. Only human beings can achieve this
goal, hence the importance of human birth. The Jaina Agamas state that
even deities bow down to the person whose mind has reached the highest
bliss characterized by noninjury and self-restraint. The individual is
capable of reaching divine heights because the pure form of the self is
itself divine and therefore the self relies on its own efforts.
