Jain Journal 1972 07

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

Page 36

KRIYAVADA
--towards perfection of man and humanity
K. C. LALWANI
sayamkadam ca dukkham ņānnakadam
“The painful condition of the Self is brought about by its own action ; it is not brought about by any other cause."
-Sūtrakstānga, 1.12.11
These words of the Sutra bring forth in the clearest possible term the cause of man's misery. The aim of religion is to indicate the way by which he may be liberated of this. In other words, it points to the perfection of man, which has been recognized as the highest problem before the progressive humanity. All the rules enjoined by religion are intended to be practical aid to the attainment of the perfection of the Self.
Mahavira is one of those teachers of the world who lay the greatest emphasis on the perfection of man. He arrived at his tenets by himself passing rigourously through them, and he preached not what he himself did not practise. It was he who set the goal before mankind, the attainment of sukha, blissful existence, which could not be obtained in exchange of wealth or by dint of worldly power ; it was to be attained through patience, forbearance, self-denial, forgiveness, humility, compassion, consideration, through suffering, sacrifice, love and kindness. These are no empty words or sacred doctrines enshrined in they are practical things, every-day reality that have got woven in the life and civilisation of India.
We have on record a little episode in the 21st year of Mahavira's life as a great teacher, his discourse to the wealthy potter Saddalaputra who was a follower of the Ajivika sect, and who, directed by a dream to receive 'the Great Brahmin', welcomed Mahavira in his pottery. The