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Vol. XLVIII
JAIN JOURNAL
No. 1-4
*
July 2013-June 2014
THE JAINA WAY OF LIFE
Duli Chand Jain*
Introduction:
We are living in a scientifically and technically advanced world divided into "Developed". "developing" and the "Under-developed" regions. A keen competition is going on everywhere. Only a few are thriving and prospering whilst a majority of people lead a life of scarcity, want and impoverishment. There is tension, worry and unhappiness in the life of every one. Mr. F.L. Lucas, an English Critic said, "Many a times, after pondering. I am amazed that some day the human civilisation would come to an end by man's own intellect and deterioration of self-control in the midst of the tension of the highly artificial civilisation."
Role of religion :
Under these circumstances we have to examine, how Jain religion can play a positive role in mitigating the sufferings of the common people. Jainism is one of the oldest religious traditions of the world. A long generation of Tīrthankaras, Acāryas, saints and scholars belonged to this tradition. Lord Mahāvīra was the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of the present era. Mahāvīra born with no supernatural powers, rose by the dint of his determination, self-discipline, compassion, forbearance and other qualities of heart to the highest position amoung men and acquired the status of a Tirthankara or omniscient.
Mahavira and his Teachings :
Lord Mahāvīra observed rigorous austerities spread over for
President, Vivekananda Educational Trust & Presedent, Karuna International, Chennai.
