Jain Journal 2007 04

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

Page 19

188
JAIN JOURNAL : VOL-XLI. NO.4 APRIL 2007
Humanity as a Binding Force
Undoubtedly, we belong to different faiths, religions and cultures. Our inodes of worship as well as way of living also differ to some extent. There is also no denying the fact that our philosophical approaches and viewpoints are divergent, but among these, there is a common thread of unity which binds all of us, and it is nothing except humanity. We all belong to the same human race. Unfortunately, at present, humanity as such is largely shoved into the background and differences of caste, colour and creed have become more important for us. We have forgotten our essential unity and are conflicting on the basis of these apparent diversities. But we must bear in our mind that it is only humanity, which can conjoin the people of different faiths, cultures and nationalities, all the religions declare that the human race is one (ego manussa jai). The difference of caste, culture and creed are not only superficial, but mostly the creation of inan.
What is True Religion
The ultimate end in view of all religions is to ensure peace and happiness for the individual and to establish harmony within huma society. However, as is known from history, countless wars have been fought in the name of religion. The religion thus remains accused for the inestimable amount of bloodshed of mankind. Of course, it is not the real form of religion which is responsible for these horrible consequences. At present, religion as such is largely shoved into the background or at best used in the service of vested interests. If one belives that only his faith, his mode of worship and his political ideologies are the right means for securing peace and happiness f mankind, he cannot be tolerant to the view-points of his opponents. The immediacy, therefore, is to develop tolerance to and friendship for others. It is the only approach by which we can generate peace and harmony inside human society.
Can religion, as a category of which Jainism is a part, meet with this callenge of our times ? Before this question can be answered we must make a distinction between a true and a false religion. Because a true religion never supports violence, intolerance and