Contemporary Relevance of Triratna Ideal of Jainism

Author(s): L K L Sristava
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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Dr. L. K. L. Srivastava
The secularised man of today is restless, full of doubts, relentlessly questioning and experimenting. He is sceptical regarding the existence of God, Soul, life after death and liberation. Religion, for him, is the cause of intellectual bondage, failure and lack of vitality, because it believes that all needful truth, is given to man and there is no need for further enquiry and search. It is supposed to be a failure to promote the best life. Overall, its vitality and usefulness is being questioned in this age.
Change is the inexorable law of Nature, I admit. Everything undergoes a change and this is its life. Our present sensibility is the outcome of the same law of Nature. Of course the modern mind wants novelty. Wonderful is the change that has made man forgetful of himself. Behind this present unrest of man of today, there lies a fact that he is not living a fuller life. The hippy movement all over the world, is a clear indication of spiritual unrest. The fact is that the Man is not only a biological entity or even a social animal, but also something more. There is a hidden core of the human personality which lends meaning to life and which gives man no rest till he discovers it. Now, what is it that most of us are seeking ? Especially in this world, everybody is trying to find some kind of peace, happiness, a refuge. Surely it is important to find out, is not it ? Probably most of us are seeking some kind of happiness in a world that is ridden with turmoil, wars, contention, conflict and strife. That is why, we 'pursue, go from one leader to another, from one religious organisation to another, from one teacher to another."
The destructive potentiality of increased scientific power and technological skill can be neutralised only by the development of world community. If human life is to be bearable, such a community must come into existence. This requires a change in human nature, a great wave of generosity. The world cannot be better than the individuals who compose it. Changes of government or economical systems do not help
1. cf. 'Idealist view of Life', Radhakrishnan, S., p. 43, G. A. U. Ltd.
London, 1957. 2. "The First and Last Freedom', by Krishnamurti, J. p. 28. London Victor
Gallan Ltd. 1967.