Collected Research Papers in Prakrit and Jainology Vol 02

Author(s): Nalini Joshi
Publisher: University of Pune

Page 11

graph of the debate of man-woman equality from the 1st century of Christian era upto 21st
century.
(13) Pro-Environmental Thoughts and Actual practices in Jaina Tradition: A Critical Review
This paper was presented in the International Conference and Workshop jointly arranged by UNESCO-UOP at Pune on Oct. 2012. This conference was specially meant for fathoming the different Indian traditions in the perspective of Environmental Science and Ethics. In this conference the pro-environmental thoughts in Vedas, post-Vedic and Epic literature, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikkhism, Islam and in the literature of the saints like Kabir, Tulsidas, Meera, Dnyaneshwara etc. were put forth by various scholars specialized in the concerned fields.
The above-mentioned paper represented Jaina tradition and highlighted the contribution of Jainas to the environmental thoughts. Part 'A' of the paper enumerates the pro-environmental thoughts in nutshell. It is noted in the paper that, “The Jaina thoughts fully support for the preservation, conservation and well-being of the surrounding world, full of bio-forms from the epistemological, religious, ethical and spiritual view-point."
Part 'B' of the paper is really thought-churning and brain-storming. The negative and defensive behavioral patterns in Practical Jainaism' are carefully gathered and neatly arranged with the proper rationale behind the defensive role.
The attitudes and aspirations of the Jaina youth are specially mentioned in the later part of the
paper.
Thus the discrepancy in the pro-environmental thoughts and actual practices in Jainaism is pointed out categorically, precisely and impartially in this paper.
(14) Darwin's Theory of Evolution : from Jainaa Viewpoint
The paper was presented in a National Symposium on Jaina Philosophy, Science and Scriptures, organized by JVB Ladnun, at Jasol, Rajasthan in Oct. 2012. Jaina doctors and engineers from all over India were invited for this conference to bring out the scientific nature of Jainaism. Terāpanthi Samanīs and Sadhus also participated in the symposium. Selected scholars and academicians of Jaina Studies were invited. The esteemed Jaina Chair, University of Pune contributed in the symposium by presenting two papers revealing scientific nature of Jainaism.
Darwin's theory of evolution is given at the outset. Darwin's theory and its implications were critically examined in the light of the philosophical views expressed in Jainaism. It is noted in the first point that the traditional Jaina views are seen apparently against the theory of evolution. Further it is noted that the concept of Nīgodi Jivas compels a researcher to think over the previous traditional view.