Gems of Jainism

Author(s): Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy

Page 92

Values in Jainism for the Modern World
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spheres of life. Morality and spirituality are thrown out, as out dated orthodox ideas; Love and Friendship have become calculative and pseudo. There is knowledge without wisdom, there is life without living. To conclude, we can say that the picture from nation, society, family and individual point of view, is dark and dizzy.
In the midst of such a dark and dizzy situation we have a ray of hope, we have a torch. We have the Jain Values. They can lead us from ignorance to knowledge, from darkness to light. In fact these values have a direct and blissful effect on Indian Social structure and they do help for the welfare and upliftment of the entire humanity, irrespective of sex, class, colour or nationality. The five values as vows show a path to economic equality through non-possession; to a total eradication of corruption and lust for sensual pleasure through the law of celibacy; a positive end to violent and terrorist's activities through Truth and non-violence. Jaina's philosophy of Soul and doctrine of Karma can bring equality and make everyone earn his future and be the master of his own destiny. Peace, unity and brotherhood for co-existence and social justice is possible if we seriously take note of these values and start practicing them. Today when we find religious and spiritual sentiments attacked by materialistic attitudes, when we find instead of peace, friendship and justice, bad effects of massacres, exploitations and selfishness, the only solution is the practice and observance of these values.
Ahimsā and Anekānt has provided a firm base to Jaina's spiritual heritage. Again Ahimsā is essential for peaceful co-existance while Anekānt helps better understanding and thus help promote tolerance. Peace, Love, Understanding, Tolerance are the highest values provided to us by Jaina religion and philosophy. These values are valid for all castes, creeds and communities and is relevant in every era. Conclusion:
The values in Jainism are in the language of the common people and are relevant even in our own life and in the society at large.