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Gems of Jainism
personality of Lord Mahavir illuminated the religious horizon of India. And yet with the passage of several centuries, the influence of his teaching, instead of waning, as happened in the case of several others, is on the increase. His name still remains a revered memory and an encouraging spiritual force to thousands of people” 14. Relevance of Mahavira's Teachings:
The teachings of Lord Mahavira proved to be of a very high value and significance in his time. It brought not only spiritual upliftment and hope for individual's progress and betterment, but also bought socio-economic changes. He could make everyone realize about morality through Truth, Non-violence, Non-possession and Celibacy, about equality of men and women and the status not by birth but by deeds. He could make the people tolerant and peace loving.
Lord Mahavira's teachings, as it was then, so it is now, equally very valuable, very significant and very relevant. When we say now naturally, we mean in the present age. And how is the present times? Present age is an age of propaganda and we all live in a world of social inequalities, economic disparities, moral crisis and political insecurities. The values have deteriorated and there is a mad rush after materialistic and sensual pleasures. Childhood is miles away from Godhood, youth is simply wasted and caught in frustration; and old age has become a curse. The discriminatory power to decide and choose between Good and bad, between temporary and permanent, between material and spiritual, is almost neglected. Education system for children and youth is full of contradictions and narrow commercial motives. Nothing is Life or Value oriented; everything, everywhere, everybody is out to become rich and enjoy worldly pleasures. What man has done of man !
In the present times, at the dawn of the new millennium, instead of love and compassion, hatred and killing is seen. The perverted religiosity, the false patriotism and the narrow political
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