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originate, develop and exist with the co-operation of other living beings). So is the case with the human society also, its existence also depends on mutual cooperation, sacrifice of one's own interest in the interest of other fellow beings and regard for other's life, ideology, faith and necessities. If we think that other's services are essential for our existence and living, then we should also co-operate to others living.
If we seek help of others in our livings as our right, then on the same ground it is our honest duty to help others in their living. The principle of equality of all beings means that every on has a right to live just as myself and therefore, one should not have any right to take other's life.
Thus for Jainas the directive principle of living is not 'living on other's or 'living by killing', but 'living with others' or 'living for others'. They proclaim that co-operation and co-existence are the essential nature of living beings. If it is so, then, we must accept that religious tolerance and fellowship of faiths are such principles to be followed at the bottom of our hearts.
Meaning of Religion
So for as the leading causes responsible for fundamentalism and intolerant outlook are concerned, in my humble opinion, the lack of the true understanding of the real nature and purpose of religion is prime. By religion, generally we mean, to have some uncritical beliefs in supernatural powers and performance of certain rituals as prescribed in our religious texts, but it is not the true and whole purpose of religion. Equanimity is considered as the core or essence of religion. It is the state in which consciousness is completely free from constant flickering, excitements and emotional disorders, and mind becomes pacific. It is the core of religion. Haribhadra says 'whether a person is a Svetambara or a Digambara or a Bauddha or belongs to any other religion, whosoever attains equanimity of mind,
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