Essence of Jainism

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

Page 87

Heart of Jaina Culture
63
given birth to it and has nourished it. The external traits of any culture develop only when it is in ascent and only during that time they are attractive. But the matter regarding the essence of culture is different. Time may be of calamity or of ascent, in both the need of essence of culture is the same. Any culture that does not contribute on its own to shaping that future cannot live or win steady ground only on its history or singing of eulogy.
It would he relevant to think of the Jain culture from this point of view. We have earlier seen that this culture has revealed itself from the point of view of freeing itself from activity or rebirth. The structure of its thinking and conduct is in line with this aim. But we also see that ultimately the culture did not remain confined to the individual; it shaped itself into a peculiar society.
Abstention and Activity
No society can live in the complex and complicated structure of mere Nivytti; it cannot at the same time take to the Sadhana of genuino Nivștti. If some way or other, persons not believing in Nivytti and accepting only the importance of the circle of Provịtti can die by falling a prey to the engulfment of storm and whirlwind of Pravștii, it is equally true that without the support of Pravpisi, Nivytti becomes only a castle in the air. The historical and philosophical truth is that Pravștii and Nivytti are only two sides of the coin of human bliss. No man is able to save himself from faults, mistakes, and sins till he does not engross his mind in activities that inspire good virtues and are blissful just along with abstention from blemishes. No sick man can possibly live by abstaining from unwholesome and unhealthy things; he has, at the same time, to take to wholesome foods etc. The movement of new blood in the human body is as much necessary as removing bad blood from it for life.
Activity leading to Abstention
- The Jaina culture has lived right from the days of Rşabhade va to the modern days some way or other even though it is said to