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D] Wisdom of Jaina Tradition Through Ages
In the conclusive part of this paper two more points are worth-mentioning. (i) Cultural Richness Reflected in the Prakrit Literature
The whole Prakrit literature written in the ancient and medieval period in general and the narrative literature in particular, we reveal that it provides a rich and variegated data of the contemporary Indian culture. The aspirations of commonfolk are reflected in the short stories, tales fables, allegaries, examples and illustrations. The big narratives like Vasudevahindi, Samarāiccakahā, Kuvalayamālā etc. are really noteworthy. It is helpful for the better understanding of the behavioral patterns of classes and masses. Details are found about festivals and celebrations, fairs and pilgrims, religious and social ceremonies, customs and beliefs as well as rites and rituals. The Orientalists and Indologists have always fathomed the Prakrit literature for understanding the historical, geographical, political, economic and cultural conditions of Indian society.
(ii) Social Wisdom of Jainas in Creating Various Thought-models
The Jainas possess a distinct religion, a separate Philosophy, a different ethical code, a set of particular beliefs, customs and manners and a vast literature of their own. They form a small minority at present and also in the past. Due to this fact, they have struggled a lot for identity crisis. For keeping the identity in fact, they have developed certain models or behavioral patterns of conflict resolution and peace which are congruent with the philosophical framework provided to them. Application of certain thought-models in one's daily routine is not an easy task. It requires distinct social awareness and wisdom. Without going into details, here some models are noted down which show the social wisdom of Jainas. The models are likewise :
(1) The comprehensive model of Anekāntavāda. (2) The model of suitable language. (3) The model of choosing less harmful. (4) The model of peaceful interaction with rulers. (5) The model of adaption in mythology, art-expressions and social conditions.
For each of these points, 'n' numbers of examples can be given. Interested person may go through my research paper, titled, "Models of Conflict-resolution and peace in Jainaism.'
I conclude this paper with a citation from Ācārānga, in which the wisdom par-excellence is manifested.
"All breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away. This is the pure, unchangeable, eternal law which the clever ones who understand the world have proclaimed." (Ācārānga (II) 4.1.1)
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