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stream of Indian spiritualism
We
one at its source. cannot have a proper understanding of these trends if we treat them in isolation. Acaranga, Sutrakrtavya and Risibhasita may be understood in a better way only in the light of Upanisadas and vice a versa, similarly the Suttanipata Dhammapada, Theragatha and other works of Pali canon can only be properly studied in the light of Prakrta Jains Canon and the Upanisadas.
Now I will like to speak a few words on the relevance of Jainism and Jainist studies in present era.
Need of our Age
The growth of scientific knowledge and outlook has destroyed our superstitions and false dogmas. But unfortunately and surprisingly it has shaken our faith in spiritual and human values. Today we know more about the atom and atomic forces than the values needed for meaningful and peaceful life. Now-a-days, we have owing to tremendous advancement of science and technology, light legged means of transportation. Physical distances have no bars to meet the people of different nationalities, cultures and religions, and, consequently, we have come closer and become more
interdependent to each
world is shrinking,
other as we were never before. Our but unluckily and disdainfully the distance of our hearts is increasing day by by day. Instead of developing mutual love and cooperation, we are spreading hatred and hostility thus ignoring the values of co-existence and co-operation which are essential for our very existence. Rabindranath Tagore rightly observes: "For man to come near to one another
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