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 202

Educational Foundations of Jaina Philosophy
189
The above discussion gives a modest but vivid picture of the educational foundations of the Jaina philosophy of life. We have seen how beautifully the Jaina philosophers and teachers have established a close relationship among life, philosophy, religion and education. The most significant characteristic of Jaina theory of education is that there is no need of moral education apart from the general education of the educant. The type of education recommended by the Jaina ācāryas, itself creates an environment for the spontaneous inculcation of moral values. In the end, the Jaina theory of education can be summed up in the following main points :--
1.
Spiritualization of individuality is the supreme and the foremost aim of education.
2.
Individual soul possesses inherent potentialities for
divine self-realization.
3.
As regards methodology, concentration of mind, meditation, self-control, strict and democratic disciplines, five great principles of conduct are the only sound means to right education,
The teacher-pupil relationship based on freedom and deep love on the part of the teacher and high esteem on the part, of the pupil, is an essential condition of successful education.