________________
A DEMOCRATIC FESTIVAL
Equality (Samata) is the nucleus of Jainism. Its religion and the philosophy, i.e. way of life and the view of life both are evolved from this very central point. Jaina logic, metaphysics, religion, ethics, mystic practices and all other aspects move around this pivot. Every monk and lay follower of Jainism pronounces the pledge of universal friendship every morning and evening in his daily rites for self purification. No body can claim to be a Jain who does not purify his heart of all hatred and enmity and joins the tie of friendship with all beings at least once a year. Every Jain on this day goes with folded hands to his straitened neighbour, asks his forgiveness and starts a new chapter of friendship.
The daily worship of Jains is known as Samayika. They worship Samata i.e. the feeling of equality and it is the essence of friendship. The feeling of equality involves the following four respects :
1. Respect for life-This is the essence of Ahimsa, which is the sum total of Jain ethics.
2. Respect of mind–This is the basis of Jain theory of non-absolutism (Anakantavada) the sum total of Jain a logic.
3. Respect of personal effort–The Jain theory of Karma is based on the idea that a being himself is res
149
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
