Peace Religious Harmony and Solution of World Problems from Jaina Prespective

SR No.: 001657
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 70
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Social
File Size: 4 MB

Page 14

external form of religion. In its real sense religion means the eradication of passions and lust for material enjoyments as well as the realization of one's own real nature. Thus, for Jainas the true nature and purpose of religion is to attain equanimity and peace in individual as well as in social life. Whatsoever disturbs equanimity and social peace and spreads hostility and violence is not a true form of religion, instead it is Saitana in the cloak of religion. But now-a-days, the essence of religion have been shoved into the background and dogmatism, uncritical faith and performance of certain retuals have got precedence. Thus, we have forgotten the end or essence of religion and stuck to the means only. For us it has become more crucial point that while performing prayer, our face should be in the east or in the west, but we have forgotten the purpose of prayer itself. The religion aims at having control over our passions, but unfortunately we are nourishing our passions in the name of religion. Actually, we are fighting for the decoration of the corpse of religion and not caring for its soul. If we want to maintain relgious harmony and ensure peace on the earth, we must always remain aware of the end and essence of the religion, instead of external practices and rituals.
The English word religion is derived from the root 'religio' wihch means 'to unite'. On the basis of its etymological meaning we can say that whatsoever, divides the mankind, instead of uniting it, cannot be a true form of religion. We must be aware of the fact that a religion in its true sense never supports violence, intolerance and fanatical outlook. A true form of religion is one which establishes harmony instead of hostility, affection and kindness instead of hatred.
Blind Faith - the Root of Intolerance
Among the causes that generate fanaticism and intolerance, blind faith is the principal; it results from passionate attachment and hence uncritical or "unexamining" outlook. Attachment (Mūrchă) according to the Jainas is the cause of bondage. It causes perverse attitude. In Jainism various types of attachments are enumerated. Among them darśana-mohal drștirāga (blind faith), due to its very nature has been reckoned "paramount". In point of fact, it is considerad as a central element in religious intolerance. It leads one's attitued towards a strong bias for on's own and against other's religion. Non-attachment is therefore considered as pre