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JAINISM AND THE CONCEPT OF PROGRESS
[Interview given to Millennium Institute, Arlington, VA (USA) on the eve of 1999 Parliament of World's Religions]
The issue is what is the perspective of Jain religion on the meaning of progress and how it is to be achieved.
Jain Religion considers and recommends progress integrated in a wholesome spiritual and ethical perspective. It is against wasteful living and against limitless pursuit of materialism. Wants and desires need to be limited. The culture of self- restraint alone would guarantee the survival of our universe in the face of exploitative pressures on its resources.
Jain religion is not against scientific or technological progress, but would not like it to be misused for violent purposes, armed conflicts and development of weapons of mass destruction.
The vision offered by Jain religion for the future of the human community and the Earth is for the human beings to lead a life of equanimity, non-violence and to actively pursue peaceful global interdependence with other living beings.
In Jain religion, 'developed culture’ is one, which provides and stimulates soul awakening and spiritual renaissance in judicious combination with restrained and disciplined materia! life. Material civilization and culture is transitory. Progress should be soul lifting, humanitarian, compassionate and soul emancipating.
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