Illuminator of Jaina Tenets

SR No.: 006924
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Tulsi Acharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati
Publication Year: 1985
Total Pages: 252
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 25 MB

Page 34

INTRODUCTION
counselling could be quite important if it were to become widespread or universal.
xxxii
"Eugenical measures leading to genetic improvements must be accompanied by improvement of the environment in both physical and cultural aspects (euthenics), and by management of the developmental patterns of individual humans (euphenics). No genetic endowment can produce optimal results regardless of the environments in which its carriers are placed. The spectacular advances of the biological sciences have produced optimistic expectations of even more splendid advances to come. Several possibilities can be mentioned, although it is impossible to predict when, if at all, they will be realized. One has been labelled algeny, or "genetic surgery", i.e., deliberate modification of specific genes, or implantation of desired new genes into chromosomes. Transformation and transduction have, indeed, been realized in some microorganisms, and it is possible, at least in principle, that this kind of directed genetic change may someday be practicable in higher organisms, including man. The potency of genetic surgery for genetic improvement of mankind may, indeed, permit achievements far beyond the reach of the genetic techniques presently available. A variety of instruments for euphenic betterment (developmental engineering) may conceivably become available in the near future. Suppression of the action of undesirable genes and stimulation of that of desirable genes may be a most powerful means for controlling phenotypes that develop from genetically defective genotypes, or for stimulating genotypes whose potentialities are hidden. Transplantation of organs to replace those injured by accidents or worn out is another possibility. Such organs may be taken either from people who die accidentally or because of faults in other organs, or conceivably from animals bred especially for that purpose. Mechanical aids or prostheses (substitutes) for human organs or limbs may be improved. All this may increase human longevity and decrease the deterioration now unavoidable with aging. Last but not least, and probably the most urgent, is management and regulation of population growth by reliable, as well as emotionally and aesthetically acceptable, family planning techniques. It is arguable that the avoidance of a disastrous "population explosion" is the prime necessity to make any genetic improvement of mankind really beneficial."
In Jaina terminology, samvara can function as negative eugenics and spiritual penances as positive eugenics. The ethical code of the Jainas gives a proper place to euthenics and euphenics. Algeny or genetic