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Individual and society
freedom. According to political principles, societies and nations are created to protect and nurture the freedom of individuals. An individual's freedom is curtailed by the nation only when he interferes in the life and work of others. A nation can only be protective of an individual's freedom. No nation has the right to interfere in the development of the individuality of a person. Nor does any society. Every human being has a right to his own individuality and personal growth.
I have been talking to you about the relationship between the individual and society. Whether an individual is part of a family, society or nation, his demand is the same that of his autonomy and freedom. But the question is whether he can be allowed unconditional freedom. In my opinion, if a boundary is not established on personal freedom, a person becomes asocial, and sometimes antisocial as well. Then, how does one safeguard one's society and nation from tyranny and oppression? How can peace and order prevail? This does not mean that I wish to curtail a person's individuality and personality. What I am trying to assert is that freedom should not lead to recklessness. Neither should it lead to the splintering of society. An individual's life has protection and order only if the nation functions in a smooth and orderly way.
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In this context it is crucial to understand the importance of society and the individual's role in it. As members of society, we cannot forfeit our duties for the sake of our freedom.
Jain Education International
Indian tradition has always stressed upon the harmony between an individual and society. The great Masters, Mahāvīra and Buddha laid more emphasis on the sangha (congregation) than on the individual. In the Jaina culture, even the venerable Tirthankaras bow to the congregation and the order. The greatest of Acaryas are also bound to obey the sangha. The Jaina sangha has a four-fold order monk, nun, layman and laywoman. The sangha is affirmed by the unity of all four. From a spiritual perspective, whatever rights are available to a monk are also available to the nun. Whatever rights the layman has, the laywoman also has.
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