________________
conviction and self-persuasion irrespective of one's color, sex, caste, continent, language or nationality. It is democratic and universal.
On balance there is indeed very little mumbo-jumbo about the ritual part. Simplicity and directness of prayer is the hallmark of the practice of this religion. The emphasis is on being a believer and not just a 'worshiper'. To be a Jain, one does not need to be born as one or to be formally converted to it. One becomes a Jain the moment one pins faith in the philosophy of live and let live' and begins to practice it in day-to day life with conviction, dedication and faith.
Talking about the Jain philosophy to the people in South Asia is for them treading on familiar ground. This is the region where Buddhism has been a way of life for centuries. The teaching of Gautam Buddha have entered the blood stream of the people and have deeply influenced their culture and social ethos. There are striking similarities in the basic tenets of Buddhism and Jainism. At the same time there are nuances of differences in the relative degree of emphasis on the basis tenets as well as mode and rigour of their translation into cayto-day religious practice. At any rate, both the religions are on the same broad wave-length of inspiring self-transformation with a view to salvation from the world of illusions. Jain religion is historically much older then Buddhism and has deeply influenced and refined Indian philosophy on the moral and ethical plane particularly on the comprehensive and wide ranging concept of non-violence.
Likewise, while the culture and social background may be similar with the followers of the all-pervasive Hinduism, Jainism has a distinct identity of its own in terms of not only its spiritual and ascetic but also scientific and integrated approach to Man and Nature. It seeks interaction between Man and the elements of Nature not for destruction or exploitation but for construction and progress in an environment of harmony and compassion. The scientific analysis of the natural phenomenon in the ancient Jain holy books is striking and of relevance even in today's world.
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
*
(212)
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
