Jain System in Nutshell

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Nij Gyan Sagar Shiksha Kosh Santa MP

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moral emphasis rather than material in economic system. The attitude has to be ingrained deep into human mind so that egalitarian society could be cherished. Thus, the trusteeship concept of Gandhiji is a form of Jinistic socialism. The current systems of Gandhism, socialism, communism and even socio-capitalism are but newer versions of this principle with timal adjustments. Thus, Jinistic principles serve as seed for solving these unbalanced economic states at present.
This principle means practice of truth and honesty in business. Tax evasion or smuggling would, thus, be against religious morality. Because of the slackening of the fear of religious hell or current penalising action system, these tendencies are on increase. Enforcement of religious psychology may serve some good purpose in this direction. Jainism proclaims morality in business and livelihood means. It is against the current practices of non-moral kickbacks or indirect commissions for earning more money-a measure of physical success but the trouble - shooter spiritual degradation.
One remembers late Lalbahadur Shastri for his 'renunciation of meals once -a- week' program to help the hungry poor. Vinoba Bhave is other such saint who thought of providing land for the landless through Bhudan. Current practices of sending foods, clothes and medicines etc. to places of devastating calamities and accidents also remind us of the partial universalisation of the principles of compassion and non-violent economics. (d) Environmental Protection
The most important aspects of the principle of non-violence has been cultivation of an attitude of (a) livingness in all natural things. (b) feeling of equality among and compassion for and (c) observational interdependance among all living beings. Thus, this principle covers all living beings including plants and animals. It represents a holistic living system teaching reverence for life. The first Jain book 'Acharanga' tells us that violence to even plants-what to say of higher sensed beings-leads to delusion, bondage, death and hell. How a man could be called religious if he injures his own class of lower life? : The most important result of this injunction has effected social and ecological areas. Socially, it leads to vegetarian habits and ecologically, it leads to environmental balance to maintain the beauty of bountiful nature. Vegetarianism has been subject to long debates but now it has been found to be scientifically nutritive, wholesome by enrichment, longer-life giving and spiritually noble. It is now getting global popularity and many national and international organisations have come out in its favour. A recent report states closure of a 6000-shop nonvegetarian chain store due to vegetarian trend. Airlines of the world have begun providing vegetarian