Book Title: Jainism And Its History
Author(s): Sagarmal Jain
Publisher: Research Foundation for Jainology

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Page 284
________________ three qualities are accepted as distinguishing features between a human being and animal being by all the humanist thinkers of our age. These three basic qualities are comprehended in Jaina concept of three jewels, i.e. Samyak-Darśana (right vision) Samyak Uñāna (right knowledge) and Samyak Caritra (right conduct) respectively, which also constitute the path of liberation. The presence of these three makes a being a perfect human being. FELLOWSHIP MEANS UNITY IN DIVERSITY Jaina thinkers assert that unity implies diversity. For them unity and diversity are the two facets of the same reality. Reality itself is unity in diversity. Absolute unity i.e. monism and absolute diversity i.e. pluralism, both of the theories are not agreeable to Jainas. According to them from the generic view point reality is one, but when viewed from modal view-point, it is many. Once a question was asked to Bhagwan Mahāvīra, O' Bhagwan! whether you are one or many. To this, Mahāvīra replied, “From substantial view point I am one, but if viewed from changing conditions of mind and body, I am different each moment and thus many”. This view is further elaborated by Ācārya Mallisena. He says “whatsoever is one, is also many.” Really, unity in diversity is the law of nature. Nature everywhere is one, but there is diversity in it, as the natural phenomena differ from each other, so is the case with human beings also. Though all the human beings have some common characteristics and features, yet every individualbeing differed from others has some specific qualities, It is also true about religions. All the religions have some common characteristics sharing with others as well as specific qualities of their own. Jainism and its History | 282

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