Jain Digest 2004 01 Vol 23 No 1

SR No.: 527091
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 2004
Total Pages: 48
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 9 MB

Page 18

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PEACE......
and eminent social and political leaders need to work hand in hand and with the help of media try to promote and propagate the principles throughout the world.
THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN ACHIVING PEACE
At the outset, one may wonder why I have selected women as a key solution to the problem of peace and questions may arise in many minds as to what can a women do? I would rather like to counter question, what not can a woman do? We have just talked about inculcating the several principles like Ahimsa, Anekantavada and Aparigraha, but the question is who should take over the task and when and where should it begin? The one and only answer to this question is at home', by none other than the most competent, greatly neglected fairer sex -THE WOMAN'.
Yes, the society, the community or a nation cannot solve the persistent grave problems of war and terrorism single-handedly.
Says Kalelkar, "Women in fact are not weak. There is no reason why she should be dependant on men. There is no eternal rule that leadership in society should always remain in the hands of men".
PLACE OF WOMEN IN SCRIPTURES
2,600 years back, Lord Mahavira pronounced that women are equal to men in all respects. He admitted and initiated several women like princess Chandrabala, and women of many other castes into his order without any caste distinction. In fact, Dr. Hemchandra warned men to beware of women, and emphasized upon the dependency of men to women in all fields of life- "in infancy, youth and old age". Moreover,
the Vedas, Puranas and the Upanishads have shown women to be the greatest force of nature, a creator of mankind. The Bhagwat Gita also talks about the greatness of women in the tenth Adhayaya. 'Manu' too talks about honoring women. The Aiterya Upanishad shows regards and stresses upon the fact that a child carriers forward the thoughts and manners of his mother. The Satpath Brahmana says that the mother is the child's first teacher, for from the foetal state, the child imbibes the thoughts, words and actions of the mother. In the Naradasmriti Dr. Sunanda Shashtri emphasizes on several rituals being performed by women, like choosing her husband at the 'Swayamavara', giving the daughter in marriage in default of fathers and brothers after the elders tested the 'Grooms' masculinity.
16/JAIN DIGEST⚫ Spring 20004
WOMEN IN GENETIC SCIENCE
According to Gynaecologist Dr. Jayesh Sheth, the monthly realease of the specific hormone, "Estrogen" is responsible for the peculiar feminine nature .It is for this reason that women are very affectionate, loving, tolerant, calm and composed as against the violent, aggressive and criminal nature of men. Adds Dr. Murari Nanavati, that genetic studies too reveal that though men are physically stronger, it is the lady, who is physiologically, psychologically and emotionally stronger and superior to men.
WHAT THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPINES
The recent declaration made by the UN Security General states and stresses that there can be no peace and equality without the equal and fair participation of the women in decision-making positions in the UN and that women have an important role to play as equal actors with men in peace negotiations. At the International level too the UN system continues to support and encourage women's involvement in peace making and peace building activity.
It is nevertheless true that because women know the language of suffering, self-control and patience they can redirect the orientation from the domestic arena to the National front with great ease. The most remarkable example of mass participation of women leading to great success is the 'Satyagraha Movement of the great leader Mahatama Gandhi. At several other instances they have proved their worth in socio-economic affairs, and the religious and political front. A woman's zeal, prowess, deep insight, her inborn compassion and tolerance traits and willingness to sacrifice whole-heartedly, gives her an edge over her male counterparts. The selfless service of Florence Nightingale, the sacrifice of Joan of Arc, the dedication of Mother Teresa cannot be forgotten. From all the above description, it is clear that a woman is the most capable, efficient and the most appropriate person to promote PEACE.
Thus, wars have to be abandoned and peace has to be restored to immediately, before it is too late, before human race comes to the verge of extinction. In short, 'The welfare of humanity lies in practicing and professing the principles of Non- violence to solve the problem of unrest, insecurity with the whole-hearted intervention of women who can help bring back the long-lost peace in all walks of life. Such a Holistic approach will prove to be successful in bringing about awareness and alertness about the disasters of war and the pleasures of peace in the minds of men and only then can the society, the state, the nation and the world look forward to a prosperous and progressive future where the wants will be minimized, the mind will be non-aggressive and nonviolent and there will be eternal peace and harmony!!