Bhagavana Mahavira and his Relevance in Modern Times

Author(s): Narendra Bhanavat, Prem Suman Jain, V P Bhatt
Publisher: Akhil Bharat Varshiya Sadhumargi Jain Sangh

Page 110

WORLD PROBLEMS AND
JAIN ETHICS
Beni Prasad
The Scope of Religion :
The term religion has been defined in various ways, but psychologically it may be said to represent an adaptation, at once extensive and intensive, to the totality of the universe and to whatever spiritual principle may underlie it. Accordingly on the one hand it comprises a view of life and matter in their wholeness and inter-relationship, and on the other hand covers in broad outline the modes and associations through which man finds expression and selfrealisation so far as this last aspect is concerned, it is worth while to enquire how religion incorporates those principles which the growing experience of the human race seems to establish as calculated to secure universal welfare. In other words, how far does it embody the permanent elements of social justice, welfare and happiness ?
Jain Ethics :
From the social point of view, then, we may briefly review the ethical code of Jainism. Briefly, it begins with five aņuvratas or little-vows - (1) Non-violence (Ahimsā), (2) Truthfulness (Satya), (3) Honesty (Asteya), (4) Continence (Brahamcarya), (5) Stoicism (Aparigraha). It will take too long to expound all these Vratas, Anuavratas, Guņavratas and Sikşāvratas and the features (Lakşaņa) of Dharma. But it may be permitted to say a few words from the standpoint of social relationships, attitudes and organisation on the five Anuvratas which constitute the foundation and the most impor
tant part of the ethical code. There is no more conclusive evidence