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JAIN JOURNAL
Much more relevant to the contemporary world should, however, be the lofty idealism that induced Aristanemi to give up the best of worldly pleasures that were so near at hand. He was himself a prince, connected with the most outstanding personalities of the age. He was going to be married with one of the prettiest damsels who herself was a princess. The marriage procession itself presented the grandest pageantry which was a pleasure to all. But it was the compassion for the lower animals that were assembled together for the feast that provided the starting point which ended in the appearance of a Tirthankara who not only tendered valuable advice but set a laudable ideal by his personal conduct. In the world today toleration is on the retreat and democratic way of life is being threatened from all directions. It seems that clouds of violence are steadily gathering and may burst forth any moment into a mighty armagedon not only involving humanity but even threatening the very existence of living organisms on earth. What to speak of insects, birds and beasts, even human lives are being rated so low today. In this atmosphere charged with violence, it is not a nuclear non-proliferation treaty but an idealism that alone can show the right way. And this idealism is perhaps nowhere so bright and yet so noble and enchanting as in the life-example of Aristanemi. With Mrs. Kremser, therefore, we remember this mighty Savior, the twenty-second Tirthankara, and invoke his grace to guide the afflicted world.
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