Introduction to Jainism

Author(s): Rudi Jansma, Sneh Rani Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 25

WHO ARE THE JAINS?
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of the physically disabled , enabling them to regain their selfrespect and human dignity, and to become normal and useful members of the community. The society produces highquality but very low-cost artificial limbs etc. for amputees, calipers, modified footwear etc. for polio-affected and other disabled persons, medicine and special shoes for persons suffering from leprosy, hearing aids, and various types of financial and other support for self-employment of the disabled. The quality of the prostheses provided is such that many are able to climb trees, run, cycle or work in the fields after treatment. A typical Indian particularity is that the feet are bare, as millions of Indians often walk barefoot. Of course socks and shoes can be put on if one wishes. All prostheses and other forms of help are provided to patients totally free of charge. In addition scientific and technical research is conducted to bring about further improvements. In this way more than 270,000 limbs, 220,000 calipers, 50,000 tricycles and other items - nearly a million in all -- have been produced and given to people who need them. People from all corners of India, most of them living below the poverty line, receive this type of help. Also, after the Afghan war many limbs were taken to Kabul.
These examples represent the psychological and physical aspects of Jainism's positive attitude of compassion. The third aspect is spiritual. However important kindness and care for the incarnated creatures of the world may be, the highest aspect of Jainism is spiritual care for the soul. The heights of spiritual accomplishment can be reached only by one's own effort, and the great teachers have shown the way by their philosophy, ethics and science. Science in its original and real sense is spiritual, a path of meditation, because it investigates objects with a view to deepening our understanding and elevating the soul. Thus the technology derived from scientific knowledge can never be harmful to humankind or the planet. For the purpose of attuning the mind as well as the emotional heart, Jains build and carve - as zealously today as