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some extent. No one can deny that our philosophical approaches and viewpoints are divergent, but among these, there is a common thread of unity, which binds all of us, and it is nothing except humanity, We all belong to the same human race. Unfortunately, at present, humanity as such is largely shoved into the background and differences of caste, colour and creed have become more important for us. We have forgotten our essential unity and are conflicting on the basis of these apparent diversities. But we must bear in our mind that it is only humanity, which can conjoin the people of different faiths, cultures and nationalities, all the religions declare human race as one (ego maņussa jāi).' The difference of caste, culture and creed are not only superficial but mostly the creation of man. What is True Religion?
The ultimate end in view of all religions is to ensure peace and happiness for the individual and to establish harmony within human society. However, as revealed from history, countless wars have been fought in the name of the religion. The religion thus remains accused for the inestimable amount of bloodshed of mankind and also responsible for its horrible consequences. Of course, it is not the real form of religion. At present, religion is at best used in the service of vested interests. If one believes that only his faith, his mode of worship and his political ideologies are the right means for securing peace and happiness for mankind, he cannot be tolerant to the viewpoints of his opponents. The immediacy, therefore, is to develop tolerance and friendship for others. It is the only approach by which we can generate peace and harmony in human society.
Can religions of which Jainism is a part, meet with this challenge of our times? Before this question can be answered, we must make a distinction between a true and a false religion. A true religion never supports violence, intolerance and fanatical outlook. It cannot be made responsible for the ignominious acts committed in the name of religion by such religious leaders who want to serve
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