Jain Studies and Science

SR No.: 006923
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mahaveer Raj Gelada
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati
Publication Year: 2007
Total Pages: 272
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 6 MB

Page 43

NEW THOUGHTS/39
thus conclude that the creation, expansion and perpetuation of the entire Shrusti are possible due to the active presence of opposing pairs.
Democracy
Opposition is backbone of any democratic setup. Leftists keep rightists under reign. Now-a-days, however, the opposition acts more to pull down the ruling party, rather than strengthening it. A supporting and balancing role of opposition will create a healthy environment for the entire country. The basis of democracy is very much similar to that of Jain spiritualism, which stresses on the simultaneous presence of Dharmasti- and Adharmasti-kaya. It is also similar to the practical life, where accumulation and renunciation of wealth, both are equally important and necessary. It is, therefore, of all forms of governance, democracy is considered the most effective and stable way, because it is based on the complementing structure of two opposites.
Destiny and Decisions
Modern society, by and large, follows two diagonally opposite doctrinesone section believes- 'Decisions and actions make destiny', while the other section believes 'Whatever happens is pre-destined'. Here, Mahapragya urges us to apply the law of opposites. The moment we accept the co-existence of positive-negative pair, the whole conflict collapses. It is a matter of common experience that howsoever hard one works; the results may not be commensurate with the efforts. Contrarily, if one sits idle and waits for destiny to act, void is what results! Decisions carve destiny and destiny moulds decisions.
Individual versus Society
It is aptly said that a man is a social animal. At times, the interests and preferences of an individual may conflict with those of the society, yet can the two be separated? Can the droplet survive beyond the ocean? Isn't the ocean made of droplets? But, ships cannot float on droplets and ocean cannot be carried in a container. An individual is as good as the society he lives in and vice-versa. An individual cannot take and sustain his growth in isolation. We have a case of reservations as example.
In India, a section of society grew allegedly at the cost of another. This called for the concept of reservation, as the decision makers were aware of the fact that the whole family of Indians must grow and become strong in order to survive globally. This resulted in conflict and friction. What if we see the whole situation differently from viewpoint of theory of opposites? We find a very simple answer to this vexed issue. If an individual, who receives the benefits of