Answer

In Jain Dharma, it is considered more spiritually valuable to overcome your harmful tendencies through self-effort than to simply be born with a naturally good nature.

Explanation

Being “born good” may mean you have a शांत, gentle, or disciplined disposition due to past karmic conditions. But in Jain teaching, real progress comes when a person consciously works to destroy bad habits, passions, and karmic bondage.

This self-effort is called purushartha — sincere spiritual effort. It includes:

• controlling anger, pride, deceit, and greed
• practicing non-violence
• observing vows
• doing penance and self-discipline
• purifying the soul through right conduct

A person who struggles, transforms, and rises above inner weakness is demonstrating deeper spiritual strength than one who was simply never tested.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain Dharma values not just outer goodness, but inner purification. The goal is not to look good by nature, but to become truly मुक्त from karmic bondage through awareness, restraint, and effort.

That is why overcoming one’s lower tendencies is highly praised: it shows awakening, courage, and true spiritual maturity.

Takeaway

In Jainism, self-transformation is greater than natural goodness. To conquer your inner faults through effort is a higher achievement, because it leads the soul toward purity and liberation.