Jain Journal 1993 04

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

Page 50

APRIL, 1993
209
which our beliefs and values of life have rested for centuries. But in spite of all these achievements one thing is still true ; Are men really happy ? Has science been able to bring mental peace and tranquility ? Is it not true that one violence has brought back another violence ? Has one war stopped another war ? Material world does not and cannot bring happiness. It did not happen in the past and it does not happen now. People have realized now that spiritual and ethical teachings and practices may restore happiness in our life. And in this respect Mahavira's doctrines have profound significance in the present society as it had in the past. To be precise, if Jaina philosophy is properly understood, one is inclined to believe that it will contribute much to the development of human personality and will make life worth living. A proper understanding of Mahavira's teachings will lessen the misery and dishonesty, corruption and fear, malice and hatred under the pressure of which the present world is so helplessly groaning.
It is to be remembered that Mahavira's intellectual empire as reflected in his principles of non-violence is imperishable, and the heart of a great number of people burst up into a boundless admiration has been greatly moulded from deep thousands of years over the whole terrain of Indian life, A section of people still belives that Mahavira's doctrines of ahińsä should be preached and practised in this world of today, a world which is full of toil and turmoil, a world which is full of violence and conflicts, a world where the values of human lives are jeopardised at the altar of human power, a world where beastk propensities of human beings are increasing rapidly; where the human finer qualities are sacrificed for the cause of material expansion and prosperity, and where lives of all sorts are butchered as food for powder. It can be said that if Mahavira's basic tenets are imparted to the present generation as a part of their education, a new world may usher in in course of time, where there will be no violence, but a permanent bliss will pervade all over the world. To conclude, his teachings will deepen our ideas and thoughts, broaden our vision, heighten our mental horizon, strengthen our mind with a new vigour and enlighten our future generation for the betterment of our life.