Jain Journal 2012 07

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

Page 45

JAINISM AND ITS RELEVANCE TO THE MODERN
SOCIETY
Dulichand Jain “Sahitya-Ratna"*
Jainism is one of the oldest religions of the world. It originated thousands of years ago. Most people believe, and many text books also propound that Mahāvīra was the founder of Jainism. But this is not true. Mahāvīra propogated Jainism widely and brought it close to our hearts. He helped to establish the ford or the system. Such divine beings are known as Tirthařkaras or fordmakers. Jainism has 24 such fordmakers and Mahavira was the 24th one. Lord Rşabhdeva was the first Tirthankara (Jina or Victor) of this religion. He has been described with great respect in Rgveda and Puranas. Mahavira was born in 599 B.C. and he lived for 72 years. Over the years, the Jains followed his teachings and came to be known for the catholicity of their outlook, hospitality and charitability of their nature.
The main principles or vows of Jainism are five, known as1. Non-violence 2. Truth 3. Non-stealing 4. Celibacy and 5. Non-possession, or non-attachment
These five are also known as Mahavratas which means the Great vows prescribed for the saints. When they are followed in a lenient manner by the householders, they are known as Anuvratas or smaller vows. This is the beauty of Jainism, its capacity to accommodate anyone, be it a saint or a layperson. The first vow of non-violence is obvious to all of us. Violence can only bring harm, as we all know. But what makes the non-violence of Jainism special is that it is extended to the minutest of creatures, from human beings to
*
Chairman, Karuna International, Chennai.