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1914). JAINA GAZETTE,
241. take food touched or prepared or handled by him. But I take the laddus. `In the light of the instinct of self-preservation, what was immoral by all religions, became moral for me and I disregarded group morality. This is an extreme example. But it illustrates boldly the distinction that must be drawn between morality which satisfies me and that which satisfies my neighbours. Excuse my giving you another illustration. Dly fair audience would appreciate it better. We all have our likes and dislikes. Mrs. A. and Mrs. B. are neighbours and of course belong to the same parish. They are on visiting terms. Society requires an exchange of visits and tea parties, etc., etc. The scene is Drs. A.'s drawing room, The servant announces “Mrs. B, ma'am.” Mrs. A. frowns. The door opens and then sails in fat and fair Mrs. B. Mrs. A. with one of her sweetest smiles : “ How charming of you, iny dear. I was so lonely. George ( Mr. A.) is late as usnal in town. You are a dear, and how well you look,” Mrs. B. responds saitably. DIrs. A.: Of course you will have a cup of tea. Maud (to the maid) bring us another cup and saucer...... the tea is over. Mrs. B. has departed. Mrs. A. soliloquises : she always comes in like that. Why she lives at my doorstep. And she ate all my best cake too. Horrid cat !-Similar scene in Mrs. B.'s boudoir next day.
Here also according to Mrs. Ai's inner conviction Mrs. B. was a negligible neighbour. But social morality claimed and compelled all the acting and hypocrisy portrayed above.
If we apply the distinction and reasoning given above to our own doubts and struggles and temptations, we shall find that the conflict arises only from the difference between what we really want to be and what society wants us to be or at least seem to be. Morality may thus be classified as apparent and real morality, and alas! apparent morality inakes up more than 9/10ths of the morality of the world. And therefore is it that Galileo is tortured, Christ is crucified, Bradlaugh is condemned and convicted, Garibaldi is banished, Protagoras is compelled to flee from Athens and die in a shipwreck in the Mediterranean. Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
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