________________
12
then how will it be resolved? This conflict is built into our very nature. It is intertwined with the very structure of our lives. So how can it be resolved? Sociologists have termed this the struggle for survival...in life conflict is inevitable. Conflict indicates development. If there were no embers, there would be no hope of light or of development. When the embers burn then there is light. How to put an end to this conflict? It is a very grave question concerning opposing benefits and opposing personal interests. The whole world is filled with the conflict of opposing benefits. There is no averaging out between two people's benefits. A bachelor thinks that if everybody became celibate, it would be good. Some wonder how creation would continue if everybody became celibate? Both their thoughts are in opposition to each other. If, for example, somebody wanted to be initiated into monkhood, there would be some who would wonder what would happen if everybody got initiated into monkhood.
The following event took place. A young man wanted to become a monk. On hearing of his desire, the whole village rose in protest. Those who knew him also protested, those who did not know him
Jain Education International
Acharya Mahaprajna
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org