Jainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago

SR No.: 014010
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain, Shreeprakash Pandey
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 402
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 23 MB

Page 144

Jainism as a World Religion
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although it has enriched both materially and spiritually the common heritage, not less than any one else.
Universalism is, therefore, ingrained in its outlook, action and even in its nomenclature and primal key verse of prayer. The term Jaina implies a 'Victor'. One who conquers his lust, anger, greed, pride etc. can safely call himself a Jain. Its basic prayer is also Universal and non-denominational. The Jaina, prayer requires us to salute and bow before the Ablest, the Perfect, the Preceptor, the Teacher and all the souls of the world. There is no mention of Jaina or non-Jaina. What to speak of distinguishing between Jaina and non-Jaina, they do not like to distinguish between the human beings, sub-human species, vegetable kingdom and the material world. Every thing is filled with life. As our life is most dear to us, so life of others are dear to them. Hence taking away life of others or even injure them is an act of negation.
True Jainsim does not believe in a creater God. It is a religion of self help and wants to raise the status of divinity. In other words though it denies the existence of God, but it believes that every individual is divine, endowed with infinite faith, knowledge, power and bliss.
The Earth Summit held at Rio (3-12th September, 1992) and holding of this Parliament of the World's Religion this year (August 28 to 4th September, 1993) signify that the days of national chuvinism and religious fundanmentalism are over. We have not only to think globally but also act in a global :spirit not for any altruistic motive but for the sake of our very existence. Threat of a thermo-nuclear war has not been over, though somewhat receeded. On the other hand, terrorism has assumed the form of an undeclared world war against humanity, perhaps more henious and more cowardly. Religious fundamentalism has proved to be the greatest danger for human rights and creativity of man. Population explosion, especially in the Third World countries and the rape of the earth under the leadershipof the developed nations, necessiated by aconsumerist style of life, have posed an unprcedented ecological disaster.
Today, what is needed is not only a Parliament of Religions but a Parliament of the Man. Religion is for man, not man for religion. If religions fail to bind us together and liberate mankind from sectarianism