Jain Spirit 1999 10 No 02

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 16

Experience the light within
Bertrand Russell wrote for himself while he was still alive. He said beautifully that "I am conscious that I am only a speck in this vast Universe, only a fraction of the trillions of atoms which comprise this Universe." One should avoid the exaggerated sense of one's importance. I think one of the great follies of high office is this great egocentrism. I strive to make sure that I restrain myself from self-pride as much as possible in spite of the high office
before you injure anyone, do not forget that the one you injure is yourself. Therefore, this otherness of the other is not a part of the Jain tradition. The alienation of that which is not mine is not a part of the Jain tradition. Therefore, the Jain tradition is founded actually on the premise that the individual must strive for the highest code of conduct, for the highest code of restraint, for the highest contribution that he or she can make for the preservation of others. That is what ennobles the Jain tradition. There is nothing selfish about it.
In fact, there is hardly any tradition which is more selfless. Selfishness comes if we subscribe to the indiscriminate accumulation of wealth. That is what is denied. Aparigraha is a consideration for the rest of the world. We cannot practise equity unless we practise moderation and constraint. Caring for the world as a whole and showing consideration for all forms of life cannot ever be selfish. On the other hand, there is no doubt that the light of spiritual growth has to be experienced by each individual. It is something which each individual has to strive for. This is the whole idea of the atomic conception of life. This conception does not isolate individuals from society but helps them truly to contribute to its betterment.
For example, I consider my success greatest when I am able to establish a personal relationship in the sense of giving and taking. I consider my success in building bridges, disseminating the best of the teachings of the great masters of the world. That is not to be measured by the outward images of success. What I have achieved is nothing particularly to brag about. I remember an obituary which
Picture: India Unveiled
by Robert Arnett
October - December 1999. Jain Spirit 15 For Private & Personal Use Only
Jain Education Interational 2010_03