Jain Journal 2010 07

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

Page 13

Sagarmal Jain: The World's Problems and Jaina View-Point
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mutual cooperation is the essential nature of human being. 13 It is only through mutual faith, co-operation and unity that we can pave the way to prosperity and peace of mankind. Jainas believe in the unity of mankind, but unity, for them doesn't mean absolute unity. By unity they mean an organic-whole, in which every organ has its individual existence but works for a common goal. i.e. human good. For them unity means, 'unity in diversity'. They maintain that every race, every religion and every culture has full right to exist, with all its peculiarities, but at the same time, it is its pious duty to work for the welfare of the whole humanity and be prepared to sacrifice its own interest in the larger interest of humanity. In the Jaina text Sthānahgasutra we have the mention of Gramadharma Nagaradharma, Rastradharma etc. 14 refering to one's duty towards one's village, city and nation that has to be fulfilled. Problem of Economic inequality and Consumer Culture :
Economic inequality and vast differences in the mode of consumption are the two curses of our age. These disturb our social harmony and cause class-conflicts and wars. Among the causes of economic inequality, the will for possession, occupation or hoarding are the prime. Accumulation of wealth on the one side and the lust of worldly enjoyment of the other, are jointly responsible for the emergence of present-day materialistic consumer culture. A tremendous advancement of the means of worldly enjoyment and the amenities of life has made us crazy for them. Even at the cost of health and wealth, we are madly chasing them. The vast differences in material possession as well as in the modes of consumption have divided the human race into two categories of 'Haves' and 'Have nots'. At the dawn of human history also, undoubtedly, these classes were existant but never before, the vices of jealousy and hatred were as alarming as these are today. In the past; generally these classes were cooperative to each other while at present they are in conflicting mood. Not only disproportionate distribution of wealth, but luxurious life wheih rich people are leading these days, is the main cause for jealousy and hatred in the hearts of the poor.