Book Title: Bliss
Author(s): Amarmuni
Publisher: Sanmati Gyan Pith Agra

View full book text
Previous | Next

Page 155
________________ 140 The canvas of life is larger than the 'self not undertake any work which will not benefit society. He gives greater importance to social good rather than to personal gain. The question is, what are the tools of socialization? A social outlook and social feelings. Each and every interaction between individuals is a step towards socialization. For example, for a new born baby, this process occurs within the family. As he grows and develops, his life gets connected with many groups. A child's initial contact is with the mother, then father, siblings and relatives. The same child grows up and socializes within towns, cities and then with the nation. When another nation attacks us and we find our country in danger, our social and patriotic impulses are stirred and we are ready to sacrifice our all for the nation. This is the highest form of the individual's socialization. Even though our country has many castes, communities and classes, yet in the process of larger socialization, we have established unity in diversity because our common welfare lies in the protection and order of the nation. When danger strikes we forget our differences and become one. How does this happen? It happens because of socialization. As the process of socialization develops in the individual, his life moves from personal to collective. Just as there are tools that facilitate socialization, there are obstacles that hinder socialization. When this happens, the social growth of the individual gets arrested. However clever, intelligent and resourceful a person may be, if he cannot socialize and imbibe the qualities of his society and culture, he will be unable to specialize in any field of society. And when a person cannot specialize, how can he become successful? Specialization in any particular field is essential for socialization. It is a power which affirms and enhances a person's personality. However, specialization must be devoid of pride and ego. Pride is the most universal obstacle in the path of an individual's socialization. Whether a person is in the family, community or nation, he must think that his life is not just for himself, but for a larger structure. Just as sugar dissolves in a cup of milk, a droplet does not ask for an independent existence within the ocean. So also an individual who understands the larger framework of society Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

Loading...

Page Navigation
1 ... 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186