Jainism the Creed for All Times

SR No.: 006564
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: D S Baya
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2006
Total Pages: 420
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 20 MB

Page 372

Truthfulness
Lies, lies and lies. Some never seem to tire of telling lies. Many a conflict has lies at its root. Lies when found out give rise to disbelief and consequent lack of trust, which, in turn results in conflict. The Jaina way firmly denies its followers the taking of shelter behind lies and advocates strictest adherence to truth in all walks of life. Need it be mentioned in so many words that adherence to truth promotes trust and resolves conflicts.
Sexual Discipline
Jaina vow of sexual abstinence by the members of clergy and that of strictly disciplined sexual life by its lay followers keep them away from conflicts originating from the most potent cause of conflict
women.
Principle Of Non-absolutism
One of the most important agent of social harmony that is the remedy for conflicts arising out of differing view-points is the principle of non-absolutism that states that in this changing world of ours nothing is absolute. There are, therefore, no absolute truths and no absolute untruths. The truth has infinitely many facets, which only an omniscient visionary can see and know. We, with our limited vision and perception can at best see and appreciate only a few of those infinitely many aspects. Therefore, it is imprudent for any of us to insist upon that insufficient knowledge as the absolute truth and thereby cause conflicts. This realisation instils in us a respect for the others' views and is, thus, the greatest harmonising factor.
Universal Love -
The spirit of universal love is reflected in the Jaina addict that reads, “Friendship for all the creatures, respect for all the virtuous, compassion for all the miserable, a disposition of equanimity in adversity; Grant me O' Lord! always and every
344 JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES