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________________ 278 Jainism in a Global Perspective Individuals, he claimed, should act with due regard for and responsibility towards their surroundings. To illustrate just how all-encompassing ahimsă is, it even includes microbes. Jainas say there are microbes in the air, water and even in fire. One should ensure that these are not harmed by carelessly discarding waste or gases into the air. Jainism states that he who follows the path of non-violence is on the way to moral and spiritual advancement. Non-violence is the natural path to truth, built on self-realisation. Let's not forget that religion cannot save one who is engaged in destruction. Religion is more than prayer, it is a way of life. No faith can save one who's greedy pursuits take a toll on the lives of others. No ideology can save a man who merely asks, but is not ready for answers. The Jaina faith has shown the way towards nirvāna or the 'final liberation." The emphasis is on an 'enlightened world view' (samyagdarśana), an 'enlightened knowledge' (samyag Jñana) and an enlightened conduct (samyag cāritra). With the help of these three jewels man is able to cultivate virtues like truth and non-possessiveness.. Eastern religions teach us the importance of eternal and lasting happiness and the ways and means to achieve this happiness in this life and beyond. The Hindu holy book, Gita' says-- "One whose happiness is within, who is active within, who rejoices within is actively the perfect mystic, he is liberated and ultimately he attains the Supreme." (Gitā, 5.24) The Buddhist scripture, Dhammapada' Says: "natthi ragsamo aggi, natthi dosa samo kali natthi khandha disā dukhha nathi santipararn sukham." There is no fire like the fire of attachment, there is no loss like the loss due to aversion, there is no misery like the misery of four skandhas and there is no happiness like the happiness with peace.S Jaina Tīrtharkaras say that: "To achieve happiness one must live in Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
SR No.014010
Book TitleJainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago
Original Sutra AuthorN/A
AuthorSagarmal Jain, Shreeprakash Pandey
PublisherParshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year1998
Total Pages402
LanguageEnglish
ClassificationSeminar & Articles
File Size23 MB
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