Modes are infinite, and laws are infinite.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that the complexities of existence and the principles governing them are limitless.
Mahavira's statement highlights the idea that both the ways of being (modes) and the rules that govern existence (laws) are countless and varied. This reflects a fundamental understanding of the universe's complexity, urging us to recognize that our perceptions and experiences are not confined to a single interpretation or understanding of reality.
In practice
In a philosophical debate about existence, one might use this quote to illustrate the complexity of life.
If one undertakes retrospection of the day's events, one must do it regularly at the appointed hour, not fitfully, not doing it today, neglecting to do it tomorrow and the day after and then taking it up again on the fourth day. Such irregular practice is not conducive to the confirmation of the habit of retrospection.
If you want to cultivate a habit, do it without any reservation, till it is firmly established. Until it is so confirmed, until it becomes a part of your character, let there be no exception, no relaxation of effort.
Attachment and aversion are the root cause of karma, and karma originates from infatuation. Karma is the root cause of birth and death, and these are said to be the source of misery. None can escape the effect of their own past karma.
Start the practice of self-control with some penance; begin with fasting.
Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love.
Eating constitutes the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence.
The guiding motto in the life of every natural philosopher should be, seek simplicity and distrust it.
The same relation exists between merchant and pirate, who for a long period are one and the same person: where the one function appears to them inadvisable, they exercise the other.
Delusion means mortality. And awareness means Buddhahood.
Oh, how great is the goodness of God, greater than we can understand. There are moments and there are mysteries of the divine mercy over which the heavens are astounded. Let our judgment of souls cease, for God's mercy upon them is extraordinary.
The whites, too, shall pass - perhaps sooner than other tribes. Continue to contaminate your bed and you will one night suffocate in your own waste.
Ten truths must you find during the day; otherwise will you seek truth during the night, and your soul will have been hungry.
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