ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

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

Page 17

Aids
Jains propagate 'prevention is better than cure'. The five vows, especially celibacy as described in Jain texts and exercise of self-restraint to arouse or be aroused for sexual gratification can only solve this problem. We need to educate ourselves with the associated problems and the danger it causes to us, our future offspring and how we can prevent it by self-discipline / control to solve this problem greatly. Of course once inflicted, medical treatment is needed to treat it.
Conclusion:
We see that Jain philosophy talks primarily of improving first the self, in worldly and spiritual matters, rather than make others improve first. Tulsi has beautifully described in one sentence 'By improving yourself, the family improves, by improving the family, the community improves, by improving the community the state and then the country and finally the world improves'. So Jains place the individual at the center of all activities to achieve the worldly and spiritual goals. For the Jain community, I feel we have to learn from history and see that excessive display of prosperity, feeling of well being and not sharing our wealth and way of life with others have to be given up as they are very important for our survival. The example of a fruit laden mango tree bending down so that the people can enjoy its fruits and the shade teaches us how to prosper and share. Similarly, we have to find non-violent means to protect ourselves from the so-called religious fanatics.
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0