________________
88
RELIGION & CULTURE OF THE JAINS
with Jaina ontology and the Jaina theory of knowledge. It is with the help of this powerful instrument in their hands that the Jaina philosophers have steered clear of nihilism on the one hand and absolute monism on the other, as well as of shallow realism of the materialist and the ludicrous stand of the idealists. It fosters a rational outlook and an appopriate attitude of looking at things, conditions and relations, gives a breadth of vision, and helps a right and proper evaluation of ultimate realities. And, it infuses in those who believe in and practise this philosophy, a healthy spirit of sympathetic and understanding, reconciliation, tolerance, co-operation and co-existence, in the everyday conduct of their life and in their relations with their fellow beings.