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Universal virtues such as non-violence, friendliness, service to the needy, truthfulness, honesty, control over senses etc. are commonly shared by all the religions of the world. Unfortunately, at present, these common universal virtues, which are the essence of religious practice have been shoved into the background and external rituals, which are divergent in their nature, have become more important. Thus we have forgotten the essential unity of all the religious and are stressing their diversities.
Though I am emphasizing the essential unity of all the religions, this does not mean that I am the supporter of one world religion or undermining the specialties and diversities of them. What I intend to say is that the absolute unity and absolute diversity, both are illusory concepts and fellowship of faith means unity in diversity.
COOPERATION AS ESSENTIAL NATURE
For Jainas co-operation and co-existence are the essential nature of living beings. Darwin's dictum- 'struggle for existence' and the Indian saying- 'Jivo jivasaya bhojanam' that is 'life thrives on life' are not acceptable to them. They maintain that it is not the struggle but the mutual co-operation is the law of life. Umasvati (4th century A.D.) in his work Tattvārthasūtra clearly maintains that mutual co-operation is the nature of living beings (Parasparopagraho Jivanam). Living beings originate, develop and exist with the cooperation of other living beings. So is the case with the human society also, its existence also depends on mutual co-operation, sacrifice of one's own interest in the interest of other fellow beings and regard for other's life, Ideology, faith and necessities. If we think that other's services are essential for our existence and living, then we should also co-operate to others living.
Jainism and its History
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