Jainism

Author(s): M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace

Page 74

CHAPTER - 6
RELIGION
Introduction Religion comprises a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe. When considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, it usually involves devotional and ritual observances. We find that practically all religions contain a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
According to the prominent Indian philosopher, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, "Any serious pursuit of ideas, any search after conviction, and any adventure after virtue arises from resources whose name is religion. The search of the mind for beauty, goodness and truth is the search of God."
Another Indian philosopher, Diwan Chand writes :
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Science says, Look outside (towards physical nature) Philosophy says, Look Inside (towards the spiritual soul) Religion says, Look upside (towards the liberation of soul through righteousness).
In ancient times, every myth was considered a means of tackling the eccentricities of nature. Gradually the collection of such myths and beliefs became the religion of man. Hence the religion became the ability of man to live in harmony with and influence nature. Throughout the history of mankind, several religions surfaced but not all could survive the test of time. Only those religions could survive which believed in helping individuals, set a living tradition with their scriptures, to attain peace and happiness in life. They advocated and preached spiritual, moral and ethical purity to avoid misery and violence in social life. These religions were accepted and followed for centuries. One such religion is Jainism.
Narration
To illustrate the significance of religion, we find a very interesting story of a traveller in the Jain literature.
One day, a traveller was passing through a forest and all of a sudden; a dangerous and deadly elephant started chasing him. He panicked and ran to a nearby tree and caught hold of its branches. Although dangling in mid air, he was grateful to be alive. Just then he noticed the enraged elephant curled its trunk around the tree and began to shake it