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24
Individual and society
HUAWAWA
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A
According to Jainism, the sangha is created by one person, the Tīrthańkara. Yet, the primary reason why prestige and glory is bestowed upon the strong pillars of the sangha and society is because an individual's evolution and development is strongly linked to these two pillars. The sangha is above the individual. During the process of laying down the constitution of the sangha, the layperson and the ascetic are accorded equal rights.
If we deeply reflect on the great tradition of the Jaina history and its unique sangha formation, we will realize that the roots of Jaina culture do not thrive in the individual but the collective, the social. Its socialism however is not economic and political but a spiritual socialism. It is a socialism based on sarvodaya (collective evolution), where the evolution of all is equally accepted and nurtured. Here one's progress does not depend on the deterioration of another. Rather, in the development of one lies the development of all, in the downfall of one lies the downfall of all, in the extinction of one lies the extinction of all. This is the spiritual socialism of Jaina culture.
Right now, ahimsā seems dormant, as if it has no role to play any more. Collapsing from all sides, it stands on the threshold of extinction. An ahiṁsā which is not pro-active does not have life-breath; it becomes lifeless. It has simply reduced itself to nonindulgence in violence. This narrow-minded approach to nonviolence makes it a facade, stripping it of its richness and logic.
There are many spheres of life which appear to be based on non-violence, but when you look at them closely, you will see the cruel play of violence even there. Non-violence has taken a backseat, helplessly looking on as violence wreaks havoc on humanity. In the face of inhumane tortures, should we hide behind a misinterpretation of ahimsā and call ourselves tolerant and forgiving?
The newspapers carry daily reports of national crimes, offenses and misdemeanors. Hundreds and thousands of people are being dislocated from their homes and countries only to become refugees in alien soils. But do the power brokers do anything about it?
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