Jain Journal 2000 07

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

Page 45

NEWS ON JAINISM AROUND THE WORLD
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brief existence will require such a help and religion fills the gap as a map or a guide to travel on the vast unknown road of life and reach the destination safely. Otherwise, he will be lost in wilderness. Religion strengthens man's character, and provides him with a code of conduct for his safe voyage in his life.
But religion cannot be thrust on anyone. A person has to accept it with his heart and follow the rules laid down in the charter of duties so as to avoid pitfalls and reach his goal. Another valid doubt may crop as to the future of religion in this materialistic world. Will it be necessary in the context of the fantastic changes which are now taking place? The answer is that religion matters very much even now because all scientific ideas can be obtained from religious books available. Science and religion go together and in all his inventions and his leaps forward, man reposes his faith in God. When something happens against his expectations, he kneels before God with his prayers. Man may be seen moving more towards religion and in his search for God.
Religion has been defined as “all actions and thoughts, concerned with our belief in and prayers to God" and its important constituent is belief in His powers. It need not be blind faith or zealotry. Religion refers to the continuous process of gathering knowledge and updating it periodically. The power exercised by men of religion can be felt in the world. However, there appears to be some confusion among people as to which religion is the best. Instead of quarrelling over this, each one should try to practise respective religions in the best way possible.
In a lecture, Acharya Rajyesh Surishwarji explained how religion can change man's mind and the best example is that of Valmiki, author of the Rāmāyaṇa, who was a robber but got chastened by the teachings of Sage Nārada. The insatiable thirst of knowledge of a Muslim king, who was a descendent from a line of rulers known for their intolerance, led to the birth of a new religion. To those who believe in the existence of a superior force guiding their destiny, there is no necessity to convince about God's presence. To those who refuse to believe in God, any amount of explanation will be of no avail.
Extracts from The Hindu, Chennai, October 22, 1997. Simple life gives real happiness
The path to real happiness lies in leading a life of simplicity and humility, a statement that is contained in the Hindi version of the Rāmāyana by Tulsidas, the “Ramcharit Manas”. This does not mean that a person should pose as if he is simple. It is conveyed that one