Bondage and Freedom

Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

Page 79

triviality, the same intolerance and the same vehemence, over the centuries? Each has the conviction that what he was told by someone who could see clearly must be true. One cannot, blame him for his absolute faith in his mentor, but surely there was room for others to be true? And what is the result of this dogmatism: Chaos and conflict, discord and disillusion. You will all share my feelings when I say with the poet:
And much it grieves my heart to think What man has made of man.
Jainism is not à sect or just one more conflicting ideology—it is a way of thinking and living.
The greatness of Jain philosophy lies in the fact that its teachings assure "the greatest happiness of the greatest number," not only of men, but of all living beings, under all circumstances.
Its philosophy is not essentially founded on any particular writing or external revelation, but on the unfoldment of spiritual consciousness, which is the birthright of every soul. Mere words cannot give full expression to the truths of Jainism which must be felt and realised within.
The Jains are the advocates of the development theory, hence their ideal is the development of man in all aspects-physical, mental and spiritual. Through knowledge and endeavour the individual develops and unfolds the potential within him.
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