Book Title: Introduction to Jainism and its Culture
Author(s): Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore

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Page 319
________________ Conclusion is that Jainism gives deserving respect to all religions and castes. It has never tried to belittle any caste in the eyes of people on the basis of their caste or culture. It believes in the co-existence of all races, cultures, religions and beliefs. It gives the message of equality based on the universal doctrine of ahimsā. It pioneered the path of assimilation of mutually contradictory beliefs by nurturing truthseeking attitude through the doctrine of Syādvāda. On the basis that this country was named Bhāratavarşa after Bharata, Rşabhadeva's son and the first Cakravartī, Jains consider themselves to be the original inhabitants of this country. Jains never resorted to power, political or military, for the promotion and spread of Jainism. There have been many kings who supported Jainism but it never sought formal royal patronage or state patronage. Jains have always used their power and wealth in national interest. Jainism has gained its popularity among the masses of this country on the basis of its merits and doctrines of universal beatitude. Even to day it exists due to its inherent merits and advantages. The Jain code of conduct and rituals of worship help promoting nationalistic feelings. Most Jains worship the images of Tīrthankaras in their temples almost every day. While performing the ritual they recite the following wish - “Bhagavāna Jinendradeva! Bestow peace on my country, my nation, my city, and its ruler. May all the people progress. May the farmers/administrators become religious and strong. May the monsoon come in time. May ailments be eliminated. May this world never face drought. May the society be rid of theft, corruption and other immoral activities. May the wheel of religion of Jinendra Bhagavāna be ever effective and bestow bliss upon all beings." UNIVERSAL LOVE AND JAINISM All the beings in this world desire happiness and are afraid of sorrow. Every being loves his life, none desires termination of life, no being desires to be killed. Everyone desires life and is afraid of death. Generally speaking death is gravest torment and sorrow in this world. That is why every being wants to avoid the misery of death. If there is any action against this desire the being experiences anguish. The behaviour of one being with another that gives pleasure to the other is 302 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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