Book Title: Anekanta Philosophy of Co existence
Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

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Page 163
________________ 148 Anekanta : Philosophy of co-existence In the trinity of purpose there is a mention of dharma with wealth and desire. This is essentially social ethics. The dharma that is often mentioned along with wealth (artha) and attachment (karma) is with reference to societal conduct. That is why Mahavira had talked of all these three things in terms of the world. Even in the texts like the smritis, dharma has most often been referred to in this manner. All Indians have understood this form of dharma as the eternal truth. It is on this basis that many unnecessary practices have evolved in society in the form of: i) Orthodoxy : Dharma has given rise to orthodoxy. It being in the name of dharma that people did not have the courage to break traditions and customs. ii) Exploitation : In the name of dharma, women have been continually exploited. The theory of karma has prevented a rebellion from the ever-exploited poor. iii) Lethargy and fatalism : Dharma has fostered fatalism. The result is that people are lazy and inactive. iv) Violence and war : Many pages of human history are filled with stories of war and jehad in the name of redemption of religion. v) Hatred: Cast distinction and untouchability also result from this understanding of dharma. In sociological literature the difference between dharma and morality has been explained as the prevalence of some things Jain Education International For Personal & Private Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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