Doctrines Of Jainism And Their Contribution To World Peace

SR No.: 269504
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shantilal V Sheth
Publisher: Shantilal V Sheth
Total Pages: 16
Language: English
Classification: Article
File Size: 2 MB

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World Problems and Doctrines of Jainism :
Three of the most important aspects of modern world are development in Science and Technology, concern of environment and fall in social and ethical values in different spheres. I would like to touch briefly on these three issues and the beneficial effects Jain Doctrines can have.
Science and Technology:
The state of world today is deeply disturbing. Basically the cause lies in a gross imbalance between science and selfknowledge. We are far too busy gathering knowledge and paying too little attention to acquisition of wisdom.
Ever since the great discovery of nuclear fission, the arsenals of nuclear weapons is growing. Other problems such as population explosion and its related problems are also terrible. These are in a depper sense, but outward symptom of a deeper malady. A fundamental reason is that where as modern science tells us much about matter and how to manipulate it, tells a lot about universe of stars, galaxies, atoms, energy, DNA etc., the picture is totally alien to what is beauty, happiness, love, pain, tolerance and a thousand other things that gives menaing to and direction to our lives.
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The extraordinary strength of modern science lies in its objectivity on the total exclusion of subjectivity. The advancement of science and technology and its use for human welfare -economy, social and culture will be in jeopardy unless there is a moral advancement of man and strengthening of human spirit. Science and technology without self control and doctrine of Ahimsa can only result in widening the frightening gap still further between rich and poor and multiply tensions mistrust and fear and lead to disaster and doom.
The leader of Sarvodaya Movement Saint Vinoba Bhave says that "the synthesis of science, technology and spirituality cum Ahimsa is essential for the welfare of human beings. hence to erect a bridge between science and spirituality is necessary. If we fail to do so then science and technology will perish the whole world. This is a great danger to whole humanity".
Science and Technology plus Spirituality or Ahimsa is equal to Sarvodaya, i.e., welfare to everyone.
Science and Technology minus Spirituality or Ahimsa is equal to Sarvanash, i.e., destruction of human being of world.
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