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 9

thus, I want to emphasize that humanity is our first and the foremost religion:
What is Humanity ?
The question may be raised what we mean by the term humanity? The simple answer is, humanity is nothing but the presence of self awareness, reasonableness and self-control. These three qualities are accepted as distinguishing features between a human being and animal being by all the humanist thinkers of our age. These three basic qualities are comprehended in Jaina concept of three jewels, i.e. Samyak-Darsana (right vision) Samyak Jñāna(right knowledge) and Samyak cāritra(right conduct) respectively, which also constitute the path of liberation. The presence of these three makes a being a perfect human being.
Fellowship means Unity in Diversity
Jaina thinkers assert that unity implies diversity. For them unity and diversity are the two facets of the same reality. Reality itself is unity in diversity. Absolute unity i.e. monism and absolute diversity i.e. pluralism, both of the theories are not agreeable to Jainas. According to them from the generic view point reality is one, but when viewed from modal view-point, it is many. Once a question was asked to Lord Mahāvira, O' Lord! whether you are one or many. To this, Mahāvīra replied," From substantial view point I am one, but if viewed from changing conditions of mind and body I am different each moment and thus many. This view is further elaborated by Ācārya Mallişena. He says "what soever is one, is also many?." Really, unity in diversity is the law of nature. Nature every where is one, but there is diversity in it, as the natural phenomena differ from each other, so is the case with human beings also. Though all the human beings have some common characteristics and features, yet every individual-being differd from others has some specific qualities, It is also true about religions. All the religions have some common characteristics sharing with others as well as specific qualities of their own. Universal virtues such as non-violence, friendliness , service to the needy, truthfulness, honesty, control over senses, etc. are commonly shared by all the religions of the world. Unfortunately, at present, these common universal virtues, which are the essence of religious practices have been shoved into the background and