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Jaina Path of Education
१६३ numerous educational institutions which are open for all. Institutes like the Syädvāda Mahāvidyalaya (Varanasi), The P. V. Research Institute (Varanasi), The Vaiśāli Research Institute (Bihar) etc. sprang up and are exclusively devoted to the Jainogical and Prakrit Studies. Indological institutes like Bharatiya J ainapith, L.D. Institute of Indology (Ahmedabad), the Bhāratiya Vidya Bhavan (Bombay), the Orintal Institute (Baroda) etc. also are contributing Considerably to the cause of Jaina studies. Individuals as well as members with collective gesture have come forward to set chairs in Universities for Jaina studies in different parts of the country. The U. G. C. and some of the state Govts too have recently recognised the value of the Jaina and Prakrit studies. The Jaina Acāryas also are trodding progressive path of education. Besides their usual routine of imparting religious and ethical education through their sermons to the masses wherever they stay or move, they are also playing the role of the main spirit behind building notable educational centres, were education in varied branches is to be imparted in accordance with the Jaina ideals. For example, Kothali (Karnatak), Kumboj (Maharashtra) etc. represent pri pary and secondary stage of such education. The Jaina Viśva Bhāratī at Ladnun (Rajastan) has already developed into a virtual University with these ideals, where fresh interpretation of doctrines like Anekāntavāda and new experiments in scriptural teachings are going on. Another centre of these ideals and high stature viz., Adarśa Mahāvīra Vidyapitha. is said to come up soon somewhere near Ahmedabad. At Veerāyatan (Bihar) is coming up fast a unique institute with such ideals and novel experiments in the teachings of the Jina.
This brief critical survey of the Jaina path of education from the early period to the modern days, discloses some important educational principles and values which also indicate the contribution of Jainism to the field of education in India in general. They can be enumerated as follows:
(i) Carefull presevation of ancient works of lerning. (ii) Effective education through the mother-tongue. (iii) Mass education through sermons delivered in an interesting
manner. (iv) Self-education as a part of the daily routine of an individual
And (v) Ahimsā. Aparigrha and Anekāntavāda for social health.
परिसंवाद-४
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