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

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Philosophy of Samatā (Equality) in Modern Outlook
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discrimination between two on the basis of sex. He opposed it vehemently and founded Samatā which was the base of the fourfold Samgha. Mahāvīra not only established the Samatā philosophy but also made it practicable. He was the extraordinary personality who gave it a concrete shape and implemented it in his own life.
Circumstances change as the time elapses. The living standards of people change accordingly. It is, of course, true that the fundamental Vratas never change. Truth will always be acceptable to all in all ages but the very forms of it may change as the time rolls on. It is quite natural. Society of human being never stands stagnant, but, on the contrary, it is always changing. The very meaning of gati (i.e. change) is nothing but ever moving or changing
Man is a social animal endowed with thinking power and is able to arrive at sensible conclusions. He advances on the path of progress on one hand and falls down also on the other. In this changing wheel the outlooks also change. What one has a look at a thing with paricular idea today, may change tomorrow. Thus it would be healthy to understand the flow of time and thus the fundamental points should not be forgotten.
Thus it is desirable to understand the very concept of Samatā philosophy in the present day context and it should be brought into action accordingly.
The advancement of modern scientific instruments are out and out responsible for the great revolution that has taken place in our society. One's acquaintance which was extremely narrow yesterday has been broadened today because of the great strides of science. Today every ordinary man has got wide acquaintances. His knowedge has become wide and deep for the reason that radio, television, news-papers etc. have been invented and introduced.
This acquaintance has made a man social in extreme sense for he has missed his sole refuge. This has necessitated his dependence on the society for his vast and varied acquaintance and contact have resulted in social anarchy. Spread of socialism means the emergence of new social power.
As long as the impression of a man was deep, the impact of