ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 218

INTERNATION
SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय परम तप
Fearlessness
Non-violence is the cardinal moral virtue. One can observe non-violence only if one is fearless. A fearful will always think of eliminating those from whom there is danger. Only a fearless person can give freedom to others. In social context non-violence does not mean that one has not to defend his country. It only means that one should not be warmonger. It also needs preservation of environment by not exploiting the nature. Life is dear to everyone and we must have respect for life of not only human being but also even the animals.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
Necessity and Desire
A distinction must be made between necessity and desire. Necessities are always limited, desires are unlimited. A social being has right to fulfill his necessities but a check must be exercised on the desires. One would find that one desire is not necessary. It may also be pointed out that an austere way of living is always preferable to a luxurious way of life because luxury makes one weak whereas austerity makes one strong. Exploitation leads to inequality and dissatisfaction. Exploitation of a nation by any another nation is also bad.
Spirit of a Dialogue
One has to be free from prejudices. Truth has no boundaries. It can be approached from different angles. One has to others view point also. Truth is multi-dimensional. A dialogue between those who have different viewpoint is necessary to have an approach towards life.
Equanimity
Equanimity is the highest virtue. In life one has to face favorable as well as unfavorable circumstances. If one is disturbed in these circumstances one cannot retain his balance of mind. He loses his peace of mind. When there is no peace of mind one cannot follow the right path because in fact, he cannot distinguish right and wrong.
Helpfulness
Out of the eight essential qualities of a right believer, which have been described in the lesson, the last three have social implications. They are re-establishing in truth those who debate from it, sense of brotherhood amongst the follower of right faith and preaching the
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