Essence of Jainism

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

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Essence of Jainism
In religion, the universe is just one quadrangle. In it there are no sma'ler quadrangles. As a result, there is nothing like untoucbability in it, and if at all there is any, it is the untouchability only of ones own sins. In sect on the other side, the inclination of ones group is such that man smells untouchability wherever he sees and the nose of this inclination fails to smell tbe foul smell of ones own sins. To such a man, whatever he believes is full of good smell, and the path on which he moves, the best path. As a result, he experiences foul smell and status of inferiority in all the rest as compared to his own sect.
In brief, it can be stated that religion drives and guides man to identity from the teaching of difforence nourished day and night. Sect on the other hand, goes on constantly adding to this nourish ment of difference, If, through providence, somebody brings about an opportunity of identity; the follower of the sect feels pained and hurt. In religion, small and big quarrels like those pertaining to wealth, woman, land, high and low status, etc., are quelled and calmed down. In sect on the other hand, quarrels and conflicts arise precisely in the name of religion and religious feelings. In it man experiences no defence except through quarrels and conflicts.
Sects were there in the past, they are in the present and they will remain in future. If there is something worth doing or impro. ving about them, it is this. The soul of religion that is severed from it. be reinstated. This implies that we follow our own sect whatever it is, all the while preserving the elements of religion in it. Let us not commit violence, let us not utter falsehood to preserve truth. The basic condition of infusing life-force of religion in sect is that our vision should be that of emphasis on truth. The main traits of emphasis on truth are these in brief. (1) Our conception of whatever we believe and do should be
thoroughly clear to us. Our faith is our own understanding
should be thorough so that we can explain it fully to others. (2) The test of ones thorough belief and understanding in this.
As we expound it and explain it to others, it should be done without the slightest excitement or anger. If we find any flaw along with its excellence, we should accept that also without the slightest hesitation.