Introduction to Jaina Sadhna

Author(s): Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 70

Code of Conduct for a Jaina Monk : 63
are also observed as festive occasions. At the end of fort-night and four months ( caumāsi ) many Svetāmbara Jainas observe fast and do retrospection ( Pratikramana ). The days of birth and nirvāna of Bhagavāna Mahāvira are also observed with great enthusiasm by the entire Jaina community. Altruistic Attitude of Jainism
It is true that Jainism is a monastic religion. In its practice, special stress has been laid on self-purification and self-restraint, but from this it cannot be inferred that it is self centered and has no concern for the welfare of mankind. Jainism undoubtedly asserts that from the individualistic view-point, a chaste and seclusive life is more suitable, but at the same time it suggests that enlightenment or spiritual development obtained through penance should be utilised for social welfare. Mahāvira's own life bears testimony to this fact. After spending twelve years in solitary austerities, he went back to society. He established a four-fold social order of monks, nuns, lay-men and lay-women and gave them guidance to the last moment of his life. Jainism admits the necessity of social-welfare and social service, but it should proceed from individual uplift. The individual is the primary unit of society, hence so long as individuals remain under the grip of passions there is no question of social amelioration. So long as the moral and spiritual consciousness is not developed in individual life, order and peace cannot be established in social life. The man who has no control over his selfish motives and desires cannot be socially fit. For rendering social service, one must be free from selfishness and should develop a sense of equality for other beings. An altruistic attitude is primarily needed for a social outlook; selfishness is destructive for social life. The institutions and communities that are formed for the fulfilment of selfish motives have no import on society. Do communities of thieves, robbers and exploiters deserve to be called