Jain Journal 1975 01

SR No.: 520037
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1975
Total Pages: 36
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 2 MB

Page 22

Mahavira's Theory of Samatva Yoga -a Psycho-Analytical Approach
SAGARMAL JAIN
Our age is the age of tremendous growth of knowledge and scientific discoveries. Yet, paradoxically, at the same time we can call it also the age of anxiety and mental tension. Our traditional values and beliefs have been thrown away by this growth of scientific knowledge. We know much about the atom but not about the values needed for a meaningful and peaceful life. We are living in a state of chaos. Our life is full of excitements, emotional disorders and value-conflicts. In this age of anxiety and tension American people are spending more than 10 billion dollars a year on liquors and tranquilizing drugs. Today, therefore, what is needed most is mental peace and capability of one's complete integration with his own personality and with his social environment. This can only be achieved by the practice of Samatva, i.e., mental equilibrium or balanced state of mind.
Concept of Samatva is at the root of Jainism. It is the pivot round which the ethics of Jainism move. In English, we can translate it as equality, equilibrium, harmony, integration and rightness. But none of these terms can convey the complete meaning of the word. It has different meanings in different contexts. Sometimes it means a balanced state of mind which is undisturbed by all kinds of sorrows and emotional excitements, pleasures and pains and achievements and disappointments. Sometimes it refers to the quality of a personality which is completely free from the vectors of aversion and attachement or a personality with a mental equilibrium (Vitarāgatā or Sthitaprajñata). Sometimes it means the feeling of oneness or equality with the fellow-beings (Atmīyatā). Loosely speaking, it also conveys the meaning of social equality and social integration. Ethically, the term Sam or Samyak means rightness. (Samyaktva). Though we are aware of the fact that in all its different shades (meanings) the term Samatva is associated with some or other kind of mental or psychological state, yet it has some impact on our social and individual adjustment.