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Jainism in a Global Perspective
I realised that what she had said was really a microcosm of what was happening worldwide. Attending a Bible study group does not make you a Christian, any more than doing Pūjā every morning makes you a Hindu. Until you have digested the essence of the religion, you cannot claim to be a Christian or a Hindu or a Jaina, and once you have truly digested the religion, you would not mind being addressed as either a Christian, or a Hindu, or a Jaina, as the Ultimate Truth that all true religious preachings are identical.
Nothing saddens me more than people professing to fight in the name of religion, because if they truly understood the religion there would be nothing to fight over. Hatred and wars start when people impose their own viewpoints and become selectively deaf to the opinions of others. How can we spread compassion and peace in the world if we do not respect the rights of others. Let us not impose our own thoughts or views on others, but instead reconcile with their thoughts or viewpoints. Let us make it our mission to remove the awful hindrance of ignorance among mankind, which has made neighbour kill neighbour. Remember Anekantavāda. Only by being catholic and tolerant in our outlook and attitude towards others can we bring peaceful co-existence and unity in the world.
The edifice of life stands on these great principles. If we follow them, the humanity shall rise to eminence and glory.
Conclusion
Iconclude in the belief that as things stand today there is great doubt whether Jainism can survive in the 21st century. The knowledge seems to be confined to a handful of scholars. It is not reaching the masses, especially the youths who need it, most desperately.
It is not difficult to bring Jainism to the lay people. Only a little effort is required to start up the regular study circles. Circumstances in the world today are such that there is need for such spirituality. People will flock to these Satsangas.
We go back home after work each day. Why? Because that is where we belong. In the same way, by studying Jainism and applying the Philosophy in our daily lives, we will be taking our soul - Ātman - back
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| SR No. | 014010 |
| Book Title | Jainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago |
| 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 |