________________
The Jaina Philosophy
condition, soul is without sex, there is no man-soul or womansoul in the sex sense, in that perfect state. In the perfect state recognition obtains and the individuality in the real sense of it is not lost. If you can conceive of the souls of husband and wife in the perfect state, looking back to the human state with its physical relations of sex, you may also conceive of their saying that that human condition was true, and just and holy, and necessary within its horizon, but that those relations were means to an end, also sacred, and that the true relation which now we realize in the perfect state, where sex does not enter in, is the true .and permanent relation.
I must also speak of the impressions that I have received in relation to the government and politics of your great country. I will say that as far as I have been able to grasp it, your theory of government is also among the monuments of Western civilization. I cannot command words to express my admiration of that theory, if I take the theory from the undying words of that great man, Abraham Lincoln, who said that this is a government of the people for the people, and "by the people". That statement is too great to be diseased in one hour, or in one year or in many years. It is a statement that opens up possibilities and realizations which imply a perfect condition in the outcome of the human society. I a Hindu, interpret it to mean self-government in the highest sense. I must own to some anxiety for the future of the theory in the practical realization, when, I consider the political contentions and extremes which seem to Co-exist. Perhaps my view is superficial, perhaps these outward demonstrations and irreconcilable political antagonisms on party lines and for party supremacy, may be mere excrescences or breaking waves upon the bosom of a deep sea whose unity and unific power shall abide undisturbed, unvexed and supreme. This is my hope.
Finally, my brothers and sisters, with your kind indulgence, I will speak somewhat of my impressions: regarding the religion
248
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org