________________
That it does not behove us, To speak about the rest of us".
Let us in the first place learn to look at ourselves. The answer to the perennial question 'Ko hum' (Who am I) is provided in Jain thinking in 'So hum' (I am that). It is worth aspiring for “to be deep and deep, to be in and in” in the endeavour to unravel the 'reality of the 'eternal soul' and its potential divine strength. Translated in simple terms, this means that we should not merely care for our emotional, physical and intellectual health, but also for our spiritual health and well-being.
Let us not get lost in the glamour of the many splendoured material comforts of our present day life. Let the desire to achieve “spiritual prosperity' begin to take root in our reasoning, emotions, yearnings and actions. Jain philosophy enshrines “Shraman Sanskriti” (effort and action culture) to the highest pedestal much above information, knowledge, prayer, worship or ritual. Shraman Sanskriti is the all-important vehicle to practice Non-violence as a way of life and not merely as a religious injunction.
As a true Jain, we should seek to build a temple within oneself in order to attain ecstasy, which one young American practicing Jainism has described as “the balance joy” bridging the gap between suffering and salvation.
Jainism is a very dynamic and non-dogmatic form of spiritual discipline and development. It is a philosophy projecting a balanced and a comprehensive view of life. The directness and simplicity of prayer helps the lost and the confused to shed hypocrisy and ostentation and “to get connected again” to more stable peace of mind and more soul-satisfying living.
Jain holy texts teach human beings to be tolerant in a truly universal spirit not merely for doing good to others, but to themselves in the first place. Jain teachings are directed to conquering anger with calmness, ego with humility, deceit with
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner * (194)
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
