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International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy 2016
According to Bhagavad Gita, karma-yoga or the life of activism constitutes the supreme end to be aimed at. It is, no doubt, true that we can find passages in the Gita where Jnana is superior to karma, where karma is superior to Jnana and where they are at par. But the law of body, the law of society and the law of universe indicate and even vindicate activism. The Gita tells us that the actions should be performed after brushing aside all attachment to and the desire for the fruit Jain asceticism embraces social goodness within its fold along with individual goodness. The Jain concept of Anuuratas is a means between asceticism and sensualism. It completely makes possible the achievement of social goodness and brings about individual goodness at social level. Jainism looks at distorted casteism featured by selfishness with an eye of contempt. The show of superiority of one caste over the other due to wrong notions of selfishness, ignorance, lack of love for one another, non recognition of divinity in every one, is foreign to Jain ethics. So the present deterioration of Casteism is an evil and is based on the passions of hatred and pride. There is only one caste, namely manhood. Merit of selflessness is the basis of caste and the arrogant pride of caste destroys right living. If the modern democratic set up is to be made successful, the wrong notions of casteism must be abolished.
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