________________
that literature should be based on rational themes, objects and anecdotes which are within the ambit of scientific scrutiny and human experience and not on myths, falsehood and superstition. Also there are different interpretations by different scholars of the same texts including of Geeta and even Vedas on various pleas under various rules and more than one simple meaning of words. As a matter of fact any writer has only one meaning of a word or sentence or stanza written by him. It is the subsequent interpreters or translators who distort the meaning and intention of the original writers. In all fairness dictionaries should now be so revised as to give only one meaning of a particular word in all languages. There are very obscene and objectional interpretation of Vedas by even eminent scholars like Mahidhar. This is only because there are various meanings of words.
Rational V/S Superstitious :
Superstition is irrational. It kills the initiative to think properly, analyse causes and decide appropriate actions and measures to solve problems. Rational attitude and behaviour is necessary in all spheres of human activity individually and socially. If people are rational they will not be angry and will not start fighting on slightest pretexts. Nations will not go to war causing immense harm to people and environment. People will not be corrupt, adulterators, traitors, and irresponsible towards duties. Terrorism is result of irrational indoctrination and conditoning of children and youth by dogmatic and obscurantist religious organisations which preach that by dying for the religious cause they would be bestowed heavenly pleasures and also because the terrorists are eulogised as martyrs. In case technology of atomic arms fell in hands of such obscurantists and fundamentalists it will be disastrous and there is every possibility as there is no dearth of greedy scientists and others who may sell it. There are already some such cases on record. Many religions generally advocate that mere reciting the name of god or their deity will
Jain Education International
→ 85
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
