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

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Jainism in a Global Perspective
life" lucidly traced the scientific basis of basic Jaina tenets, and their link with a divine spiritual feeling and experience both through thought-process as well as behavioural action. Technological advancement should not be allowed to dilute basic human values of love and compassion inherent in Jaina teachings. Not merely by speaking or observing religion, but living in Dharma and humanity towards all, can one serve the cry of the present times.
Speaking on "Universal relevance of Jainism in the contemporary world", Dr. N.P. Jain said that there was inherent in Jaina principles and practices an integrated view of universe, a spirit of Universality, a deeply compassionate outlook, an all-pervasive belief in 'Live and let live' and above all a down-to-earth stress on ethical integrity of thought, purpose and conduct. Its teachings flowing from non-violence as the supreme religion far from being sectarian, dogmatic or mystical have a universal relevance in the contemporary world. Its global perspective is ajudicious blend of the scientific as well as the spiritual.
In his other presentation on "Spiritual Resurgence - the crying need of our times", Dr. Jain called for putting spiritual resurgence and rejuvenation on global human agenda in order to reform and rationalise our religious attitudes, habits and perceptions which have tended to grow in a climate of ritual, dogma, blind belief, conservative orthodoxy, bigotory and parasitic fanaticism. Spirituality arouses human consciousness on a higher, wider and ever-enduring perspective of continuity in the midst of on-going materialistic changes. Science and spirituality can go together and should go together.
Vice Chancellor of Jaina Vishva Bharati, Dr. Ramji Singh in his scholarly presentation on "Jainism as a World Religion" observed that Jaina religion has a historical identity in as much as it is the sublimest gift of Indian culture not only to India but to the whole of humanity. Evangelical spirit and missionary ambitions have been unknown to the Jainas because to them religion is self-realisation and moving up to the status of a perfect soul. The principle of reverence for life encompasses all forms of life and living creatures and is at the foundation of the principles of non-violence, love, truth and compassion. He argued that the denial of