Essence of Jainism

Author(s): Sukhlal Sanghavi
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 30

Essence of Jainism
rituals, various types of prayer etc., that come under the catogory of religion, are all duties in the worldly life of man. They deserve the title of “religion" only till that time and to that extent that they have an invariable association with spiritual religio, Spiritual religion is the basic element in life, that is above the senses. Its experience and vision is possible only for religious individuals, while the practical religion is visible and it can be grasped by others. if the practical worldly religion is not related to spiritual religion, then all these duties and activities resulting from practical worldly religion are, in reality, only illusory, howsoever old and acceptable. they might be to many
| Darsan ane Cintan, pt. one, p. 28 }
Religion has two forms; the first is gubtle and spiritual. Generally there is no difference in that it is endowed with the virtue of theism. The other one is worldly and practical, It is of the nature of external activity in which various differences of outlook are unavoidable. The differences of outlook in the matter of practical and worldly religion do not affect as instigating conflict in case of those who clearly understand the difference between spirtual and worldly religion, who have the mental and intellectual capacity to ponder over their mutual relation; in brief those who have grasped the secret of the proper analysis, weak. desses and strength of worldly and spiritual religion. In brief, it can be stated that if one is endowed with a clear understanding of religion, no difference of outlook can create conflict; genuine understanding is the only means of the prevention of the differences of outlook that are instigating conflict. This kind of understanding can be spread with effort among human beings. Acquirement or training in such an understanding is therefore desirable.
Pure inclination and genuine sincerity is religion beyond doubt, while there are differences of opinion in the religiousness. or otherwise of external worldly dealings. The test, therefore, of religionsness or otherwise of external conduct or worldly dealings, rules or customs can be in spiritual religion only,
[Darśan ane Ciotan, pt, one, pp. 52-53)