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Preface
non-violence and violation of the rhythm of nature are equivalent to the violation of truth. Non-violence is not limited to the stoppage of war and bloodshed; it must also stop the arrogance of man towards nature. The twentieth century has been the century of science, the 21st century will be acentury of the synthesis of science and spirituality. In Jainism science and spirituality as well as non-violence and religion mcet together.
Prof. Sagarmal Jain speaking on "Religious harmony and fellowship of faiths : A Jaina perspective" identified religious fundamentalism and intolerance as the burning problems of today and stressed the need for inter-faith harmony and fellowship of faiths. The prime duty is to be a human in its real sense and this is what Jaina religion propounds as the true nature of a thing. Ile analysed the Jaina perspective in terms of Ahiṁsā, Aparigraha and Anekānta, and showed how Jaina religion has always preached tolerance in thought, words and action and contributed to stable peace and harmony, universal fraternity and coexistence. He also stressed the vital link between Jaina philosophy and ecology
In his other two papers 'The Solution of World problems : a Jaina Perspective' and 'Concept of Non-violence in Jainism' Prof. Jain identified some of the world's burning problems as -- problem of mental tensions, survival of human race and disarmament, problem of war and violence, problem of disintegration of human society, economic inequality and consumer culture, problem of conflicts in ideologies and faith and problem of the preservation of ecological equillibrium and finally suggested the theory of non-violence as the solution of these world problems. Prof. Jain also advocated the positive aspects of non-violence i.e. compassion and service to all living beings in order to eliminate war and violence from the world.
Dr. Kumarpal Desai touched upon the important subject of progressive and ennobling "Role of women in Jaina religion". Jaina religion has provided a place of pride to women since a religion devoted to the equality of all, naturally sees men and women on equal footing. According to the Svetāmbara tradition Jaina Tīrthankara Mallinātha attained 'Kevalajñāna' and liberation in "Stri Yoni" itself. A significant aspect about the role of women in Jaina religion is that since prehistoric times Jaina sādhus are
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