Jain Journal 2007 04

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

Page 27

196
JAIN JOURNAL: VOL-XLI, NO.4 APRIL. 2007
faith is the principal; it results from passionate and uncritical outlook. In point of fact, it is considered as a central element in religious intolerance. It leads one's attitude towards a strong bias for one's own and against other's religions. Attachment and aversion are the two great enemies of right thinking. Truth can reveal itself to an impartial thinker. Unbias attitude is not only essential, but it is also the imperative in the search of truth. One who is unbiased and impartial, can perceive the truth of his opponent's ideologies and faiths and thus can possess deference to them. Intense attachment unfailingly generates blind faith in religious leaders. dogmas, doctrines and rituals and consequently religious intolerance and fanaticism come into existence. The religions which lay more emphasis on blind faith than reason are narrower and fundamentalist. While the religions which give due importance to reason also are more conciliatory and harmonious. It is the reason or critical outlook which acts as check-post in religious faiths and rituals.
The uncritical outlook and even a pious attachment, towards the prophet, the path and the scripture is also an hindrance to a seeker of truth and aspirant of perfection. Attachment results in blind faith and superstition and consequences into intolerant conduct. A person who is in the grip of attachment cannot get rid of imperfection. Gautama, a chief disciple of Lord Mahāvīra, failed to attain omniscience in the life time of Mahāvīra on account of his pious attachment towards Mahāvīra. The same was the case with Ananda, the chief disciple of Lord Buddha, who could not attain arhat-hood in the life-time of his "Sasta," Once Gautama asked Mahāvīra : "Why am I not able to attain the perfect knowledge, while my pupils have reached the goal" Lord answered: "Oh, Gautama, it is your pious attachment towards me which obstructs you in getting perfect knowledge and emancipation". Therefore the elimination of attachment, the root cause of bias and intolerance is essential for the writing of mankind and to establish peace on earth.
Reason the Check-Post of Blind Faith:
The blind faith causes intolerance and therefore one should not support blind faith. The right faith should be followed by right reasoning. The faith followed by truthful reason cannot be blind one.