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JAIN JOURNAL : Vol-XXXIV. No. 2 October 1999
force underlying the whole process and subsequently, this view was also adopted in a conference organised by California University, in which leading physicists opined to imbibe metaphysical concept in the scientific thought. Edington unequivocally draws the conclusion that human soul and the Absolute reality are interconnected. This opens a new vista and approach, evincing halecyon days between science & religion with full rapport. This takes us to a new perspective of the 21st century- The return to religion'. Scientists have discovered the Third Eye in man, which generates vision, intuition and pragmatic concepts and Eogence. Relevance of religion is now unquestionable as we stand on the threshold of a new era and century.
We now have globalisation, global village and their parameters. Verily, they are meant for economic and socio-political cooperation and coordination in the context of contemporary consumerism, yet there are thinkers and sociologists, who punctiliously think that religion or as the new term goes the science of spirituality is imperative and impelling, if mankind is to liberate itself from the web of a doomed civilisation. Prof. Lestercruz in his famous book 'Gods in the global village' has deeply delved into this, as a remedy to cure the scourge of present mayhem and the state of violent disorder. He maintains that all religions are basically uniform in their apophthegm. Love, fellowfeeling, non-violence, truth and compassion have been treated as basic tenets. Michael Tobayes in his India Twenty Four Hours' saw the religious milieu in India and became a Jain as it was the true religion that could be a panacea for the present ailments. Dr. Mackay also holds the same view and regards Jainism as the purest religion and a remedy of malignance and cacophony of the present times.
Few years ago, reciting the name of Confucius in China could put a man behind bars, but now he is regarded as the best exponent of Chinese Tradition and Culture, as he provides a moral touchstone and his philosophy is taken as a pillar to represent the Chinese pride of the nation. Man must make life meaningful, rewarding and purposeful. In ethical striving as in the sublime and the beautiful (not vertical reality and artificial imagination of the present media) an experience in expressable harmony between himself and all else. It makes universe delightful with resonating vibration and the Self becomes united with others. This is what religion does. Having failed to find, says Frau Schumer (The New York-1983) adequate answers in secular alternatives, in political activism, science and technology, Americans are being drawn nearer to religion. Church membership is increasing. Many more students are taking courses in religion and they seek moral answers to eternal questions. The same is true in Russia also. Churches there are exploding with activity. People throng
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