________________
yn
leading to the desired goal. These are the two chief motives which are at the basis of every Eastern religion. Now different views can be taken of the ideals to be placed before meň and they in their turn would give rise to different systems of social and moral laws. It is to these differences that we can trace the origin of the different Religions of India. The various philosophical doctrines in the Upnishads, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity and Mahomedanism are all different views propagated about the ideal to be realised by men. Those different views have produced varying codes of morals. Jainism provides such a one. Since a man began to reflect, his mind is restlessly exercised over the relation subsisting between God, Universe and man, whether there is any creator of the vaxt panorama of Universe, whether man is anything more than a minute part of it, whether he should look to something beyond what is called death, whether his life and work are limited to the span of life which is but an infinitesimal portion of Time. Such and other kindred problems have been agitating human mind since the dawn of civilization and will probably continue to do so without termination. Various religions and systems of philosophy are so many attempts to tackle these problems. None has proved universally satisfactory : but every one of them has afforded solace to parts of mankind; we know almost every one passes through a critical stage at some period of his life when such doubts assail his mind and he knows no rest until and unless he catches hold of something which will. restore the tranquillity of his mind. The different religions are suitable means and guides with which men are provided in such cases of necessity. By resorting to that one which befits his temperament he may try to cross the ocean of doubt and attain peace and happiness. Jainism is not exclusive. It allows the seeker to try all other religions; when he sees their futility, he will turn to Jainism which is the beacon light showing the right path to the earnest seeker; if it is approach ed in right spirit it will not fail to lead him to Perfection