Jain Journal 1968 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 23

102
JAIN JOURNAL
dualism. Even for spiritual peace, the individual cannot exist apart from the society. All the essentials of the individual, therefore, devolve on the society. And the society cannot progress unless it participates in all kinds of constructive activities. Keeping this in view we have to seriously reassess and re-form our external and religious behaviour.
“It is necessary that different sections of the Jaina community become unified and give attention to diverse issues for the entire society. While remaining true to the traits and behaviour of our own sect we can at least avoid looking down upon or casting aspersions on the traits and behaviour of the other sects of the Jainas; we can extend similar reverence to the devoted sādhus of other sects as we do to our own; and we can at least be ready to extend full cooperation to any thing that may be intended to render good to the Jaina community. For the solution of all the issues that have bearing on the entire Jaina community, it is necessary to mobilise all the organisations of the diverse sects...
"Looking at the history of Jainism and its culture, we find that non-violence and universal brotherhood have found a pride of place in it from its very inception. A small community in itself, the Jainas had started building up their life in spiritual as well as social spheres on the foundation of non-violence. In consequence, non-violence not only became the central theme of our religion, it also extended its influence on other religions in the country. Today non-violence has further extended its sway and gained recognition in the international sphere. This is a unique opportunity for the Jaina culture. Today not only for our own state but also for the whole world, the most prominent theme is not violence but non-violence, non-attachment and anekānta or respect for diverse viewpoints. And this theme is the pivot of our own culture. In this circumstance, therefore, it is our duty that our conduct and behaviour impart assistance to the establishment of world peace and to the construction of welfare states. We must sincerely feel and display that the entire human community is a single unit...."
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