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Society, Epistemology and Logic in Indian Tradition
30
In the Sakrastava," a eulogy performed by the Indras, many such adjectives of tīrthankaras are available which express their benevolent attitude towards the world. For example Lord of the world (loganāhāṇam), Benefactor of the world (logahiyāṇam), Lamp of the world (logapaivāṇam), Revelator of the world (logapajjoyagarāṇam) are the words which depict that the persons enlightened with pure complete knowledge kevalajñāna always do good for others. The Caturvimśatistava," a eulogy of the 24 tīrthankaras depicts a tīrthankara as a person who enlightens the world with his knowledge. Knowledge is not useful only for oneself; it is useful for enlightening others also.
Some Ethical Doctrines and Society:
73
The concept of religious giving (dāna) in Jainism is having an important aspect of social behavior. Umāsvāti says that for the welfare of others if something is given with relinquishing one's ownership then it is called dana." Action of dāna cannot sustain without the assertion of the concept of society. Dana is of many kinds. It mainly deals with food, knowledge, medicine and fearlessness or protection (KA 362). This concept of dana is very important for the positive inter-relationship of human beings and all other beings. Conception of dāna is doubly beneficial. Donors as well as receivers both are benefited by dāna. Donor is benefited with dissociation of his sinful karma
71
It starts with the word namotthunam. It is called praṇipātasūtra also. It is a part of the Sāmāyikapāṭha.
72 Vide AvS chapter 2.
13 TS, 7.33: anugrhārtham svasyātisargo dānam.
