Jain Journal 1990 01

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

Page 46

JANUARY 1990
109
perspective. The equity and non-violence in the society can create twofold dynamism in the Jainism and through it, the ethical conduct of the ritualist will strengthen the true Sramanic culture, which has a urge for the society. The Jainas believe in the sacrifice of their own through the ritualistic fast etc. and two most essential elements of rituals are prayer and sacrifice.32 But the sacrifice of others for the self is not permitted in any way in Jainism, though the Jaina rituals are closely connected with the Hindu-rituals. But they differ fundamentally in abovementioned respect, as Jainism had never compromised with it, as happened in the case of casteism. After denouncing it too, Jaina society practised it. But it is beyond doubt that ahimsā become a life-source for the Jainas, though it is often criticised as a negative doctrine. 33
The ritualistic behaviour may lead them to integrate their group-life under the sectism, and the devotional traditions also could be preserved through the ritualistic conduct, but the creative force of equity and non-violence will not be sustained, if it is not practised in the human society. The ritualistic conduct may lead them toward the body-religion, but the heavy load of the ritualistic structure break the life-line of Jainism, as ritual is after all a form and not the content.
32 Hastings, Ibid., (Worship), p. 787. 33 Mrs. Stevenson, Ibid., p. 290. ("The ideal of their religion offers them is a ritual
rather than a personal holiness. A Jain magistrate once said (to the author) ''I call Jainism a dummy religion. Even I took bribes and give false judgements, I should still be considered a holy man, so long as I was careful never to eat after dark.")