Book Title: Gems of Jainism
Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy

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Page 139
________________ 130 Gems of Jainism seriously take note of Mahavira's teachings and start practicing them. Today when we find religious and spiritual sentiments are attacked by materialistic attitudes, when we find instead of peace, friendship and justice, bad effects of massacres, exploitations and selfishness the only solution is Mahavira's teachings. The teachings of Mahavira are still relevant, and relevant to a great degree. It will not be wrong to say that in the present condition we are fed up and tired of the tense life. There is a great need of such a society in which there would no fear, no exploitation, no discrimination and no malice. "To get rid of all evils, miseries and pain, we will have to abandon the materialistic attitude and develop the spiritual one. To obtain the real truth of life, we have no other option but to think of the solutions in the very background of the principles of Jainism and Mahavira which could be effective in providing us peace, happiness and prosperity” 15. Conclusion: Lord Mahavira's teachings are in the language of the common people. His teachings are relevant even in our own life and in the society at large. When we find cruelty and killing everywhere Mahavira's Ahimsā (non-violence) becomes relevant, when we find lust for material gain and a blind rush for wealth and riches Mahavira's Aparigraha (non-possession) becomes relevant, when we find people lost in sensual pleasure Mahavira's Brahmacarya (celibacy) becomes relevant, when we find ecology is disturbed and animals as well as birds are killed for human luxury and comforts, Mahavira's philosophy of Soul becomes relevant; when we find people or families or nations fighting with each other on superiority or inferiority grounds, Mahavira's teaching : 'caste not by birth but by deeds' becomes relevant, when we find women neglected by men and treated as inferior, we find Mahavira's teaching all souls (male as well as female) are equal, becomes very relevant. When there is a disagreement, a conflict and differences Mahavira's Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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