Jain Journal 2001 07

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

Page 42

THE RELEVANCE OF THE TEACHINGS OF LORD MAHĀVĪRA IN THE MODERN AGE
DULI CHAND JAIN
Problems encountering the modern world
The present age is called the age of Science and Technology. There is a virtual explosion of Information Technology which has brought nations and people closer to each other. New scientific thoughts have influenced every person's life provides him more amenities and facilities. But the question arises whether science has made man's life happier and harmonious? The answer to this question is in the negative. Today man's life is full of tension, anxieties and disorders. In the race of progress and growth, man has forgotten the real purpose of his life. To-day man knows much more about the external world but very little about his own self. He is leading a life full of disharmony and conflicts.
On the International level we find that man has conquered all the agencies of nature and made ordinary person's life more comfortable than it was earlier. But, on the other hand, we find alarming growth of Armament Industries and production of powerful Bombs and explosive materials. If unfortunately there is another nuclear war it will be most dangerous and will result in the destruction of the whole humanity. Another problem that mankind is facing today is that inequality is increasing amongst the nations and peoples. The world is divided into 'haves' and 'have-nots'. The U.S.A. which has just 6% of the world's population consumes 30% o! the world's resources, whereas the majority of the people of the Globe are suffering from scarcity, wants and impoverishment. Life in advanced countries is also not harmonious. Families are broken up and relationships snapped. Individual feels isolated and alienated with a sense of vacuum and boredom. The economic growth alone as the yard stick for measuring standard of life to the exclusion of all other values has verily led to the destruction of human personality.
Last year, a report appeared in the "Economist" which presented a grim picture of the so-called advanced western society -- quite a large number of people were involved in the misuse of cirugs and guns resulting in violent crimes and unbecoming behaviour in public life. The caption of the report is "Broken family life."