Jain Journal 1996 07

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

Page 8

PATIL CONTRIBUTION OF THE JAINS TO INDIAN CULTURE
Gandhiji to the nation's need as a penace and to impress upon the guilty party to realise their guilt. Gandhi borrowed more comprehensive and humanistic concept of non-violence from Mahavira. Gandhi stressed Ahimsa on the religious side, 'Anekāntavāda' on the philosophical side and the institution of vows on the ethical side." Gandhiji equipped his armoury with all the essential weapons of nonviolent actions such as. Civil Disobedience, constructive programmes comprising mass non-cooperation movement and fasts, to achieve the goal of Independence.
3
Nehru, a dauntless worker for world-peace, was a rare blend of India's radiant spirit and scientific approach to the problem of mankind. His basic ideas were those of Mahatma Gandhi's-mutualtrust and non-violence. Nehru sought to build a nation not only in terms of political institutions but also in terms of mental emancipation and economic and social progress with the sole conception of Gandhiji. Jawaharlal Nehru proved non-violence effective in his policy of nonalignment for keeping apart the rival power blocks. The preamble of the Agreement, Sino-India Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between India and Tibet and the principle of peaceful co-existence mentioned in it clearly show politico-religious attitude of Nehru.
In today's world, full of historic and man-made tensions, it is necessary to stick to the principle of peaceful co-existence and friendly co-operation. And only such a way of life can do this. Ahimsa, Anekāntavāda and institution of vows, the principles advocated by Jainism and properly understood and used by the great leaders like Gandhi and Nehru, would lead us to a peaceful life, full of love and compassion. The religious principles would alone give a spiritual base to man which will transform a man into super-human being and provide the concept of 'live and let live'.
7. Ibid. loc.cit.
8. M.K. Gandhi, Autobiography or the Story of My Experiments with Truth. Ahmedabad, 1947, p. 549.