Jain Journal 1984 07

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

Page 16

JULY, 1984
There are so many problems facing the modern human society, but scarcity, selfishness, atrocity, ignorance (uneducation) and violence have caused greatest pain to the man of today. To remove the scarcity man invented science and collected a variety of things for his happiness around himself, but still he is not happy. The slogan of 'the greatest happiness comes from the largest number of things' has become outdated. Therefore, in this situation the principle of self-knowledge given by Jaina ethics removes the inner scarcity of man. When a man comes along the prosperity of soul he will not be affected by the scarcity or abundance of outer things. They will not cause any pain or happiness. For the happiness alone man becomes selfish and commits atrocities on others. Therefore, principle of non-violence has declared oneness among all souls and tried to solve this problem.16 From the theory of nonabsolutism the problem of ignorance and misunderstanding (un-education) of today's man can be overcome. He can become aware of the varied dimensions of the world. A man can be truly scientific from his liberality of thoughts. And when right attitude is joined with the advancement of science and the benefit of each living being then the atmosphere of violence will automatically be removed. This wedding of science and non-violence can only ensure human welfare.
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It is rightly concluded by Dr. D. S. Kothari that "It is increasingly apparent that today man's progress depends crucially on the joining together, in mutual re-inforcement of science and ahimsa. Without this man has no future, and his very survival is at stake. How science and ahimsă can be linked together is no easy thing. It would need the combined effort and wisdom of the East and the West."17
The sancity of mankind have to be recognised in preference to our separate affluence and supremacy. Scientific skill must be accompanied by saint's wisdom. Thus man has to understand man as man. In this technically unified world, there is very little difference between oneself and others; if I wish well to myself, that is practicable, only if I wish well to others. The doctrine of ahimsă, if rightly understood and sincerely practised, supplies the necessary basis for this humanitarian outlook of a world citizen. Advancement in science and technology have added to the instability of the fast moving society. We have secured
18 Beni Prasad, World Problems and Jaina Ethics, Varanasi, 1951. Bhanawat & Jain, P.S. (ed.), Bhagvan Mahavir and His Relevance in Modern Times, Bikaner, 1976, p. 58.
17 Kothari, D.S., Ibid., p. 6.