Jaina Political Thought

Author(s): G C Pandey
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 75

according to tradition so that they may act in public interest. These five modes of royal functioning are protecting the family, following reason, protecting oneself, protecting the people, and consistency. The first means following the family tradition of the Ksattriya. The Ksattriyas were created by Rsabha. There are two kinds of people in sodety - some who need to be protected, others who can give protection. The creation of the Ksatriya class is the formal recognition of those who can give protection. The ethos or the norm of justice (Nyaya) of the Ksattriyas consists in earning wealth within the bounds of right ceousness, its protection, its development, giving it to suitable persons. These four alongwith faith in Jaina principles constitute Nyaya. The Ksatriyas or rulers should remember their aristocracy and nobility. They should not accept lessons from non-Jainas. They should regard other Jain rulers as their kinsmen. Even non-Ksattriyas, if they have the right faith, may be Ksattriyas.
reason
The second duty of the kings is to follow (matyanapalapanam). Reason is the knowldege which distinguishes good and evil, here and hereafter. Reason is followed by avoiding false principles. This can be done by studying the tradition of Jaina wisdom. This will help in determining supernatural good. Secular good can be ascertained from political science (Rajavidyä). Dharmasastras will give the knowledge of both, this and the other world. The third duty of protecting oneself has two aspects. The first is to be careful against enemies and their use of poison or weapons etc. The second protection of the self is from the worldly bondage itself. One must prepare gradually to renounce the fascination of kingship itself. Unless one can protect the spirit, how can one protect the body?
Protecting the people is the most distinctive duty of the ruler. He should follow a moderate policy which does not agitate the public. He should win the confidence of the people.He must have astrong army,and he must look after the soldiers. If the soldier gets injured, he should be medically treated and suitably provided. If a soldier dies in a battle, his son or brother should be appointed in his place. The king must carefully reward and look after those who serve him. Outlaws should be firmly punished. Livelihood should be provided to the people. Again, the king should help the cultivators by providing them seeds etc. and tax them lightly. The king should build up reserves of farm-production. With respect to foreign policy, the king should follow experience.
Samanjasya means that the king should adopt an attitude of equinimity and detachment. He has to punish enemies without fear and reward friends without favouritism. This quality of viewing things objectively is the principle of being harmonious or samanjasya.
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