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 26

Preface
the Jaina perceptions in this regard comparing them to those of Hindu philosophy.
Mr. Ramesh Solanki in his paper "Legacy of Virchand Gandhi" recalled how at the 1893 Parliament of World Religions, Virchand Gandhi presented Jaina religion as an authentic and rational religious tradition. Ile recalled how Virchand Gandhi won the legal case preventing an English man from putting up a factory for slaughtering pigs and making tallow on the sacred hill of Sammet Shikhar - the renowned Jaina pilgrimage centre from where twenty Thirthankaras attained their Nirvana.
Mr. Pravin Shah did a splendid job by putting together highly enlightening available information on "Jaina literature" - Āgamas, their commentaries on Āgamas, important Jaina authors both in Diganbara and Svetāmbaras sects work and available in different languages. It is a comprehensive collection of valuable information on which further work should be done to facilitate clearer understanding of Jaina scriptures, their historic origins, and their authenticity. He clarifies available literature under philosophy, ethics and politics, meditation and Yoga, metaphysics, history, geography, logic, poetry, prose and drama, grammer, music, astronomy, astrology, polity, mathematics, science of matter, stories and tales.
Shri Vinod Kapashi presented an interesting paper on "Jainism and freedom of Mankind". Jainism sets the goal towards true freedom through non-attachment and non-aversion. Escaping from the bondage of material attachments is the key to real freedom and happiness.
Jainism is relevant to the solution of many of our problems related to ourselves and our environment because its principles are inextricably intertwined with nature and advocate balance between our behaviour and the environment -- as that alone can lead to perfect harmony. All species are interdependent and hence we should follow the principle of 'live and help others to live' so that we can live. This is the inspiration behind nonviolence which is neither negative nor passive, but a positive and active concept.
Shri S.L. Gandhi in his paper on "Aņuvrata" -- The Jaina path to self-transformation and World Peace", highlighted the momentum and