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The English word religion is derived from the root 'religio' which means 'to unite'. On the basis of its etymological meaning we can say that whatsoever divides the mankind, instead of uniting it, cannot be a true form of religion. We must be aware of the fact that a religion in its true sense never supports violence, intolerance and fanatical outlook. A true form of religion is one which establishes harmony instead of hostility, affection and kindness instead of hatred.
BLIND FAITH : ROOT OF INTOLERANCE
Among the causes that generate fanaticism and intolerance, blind faith is the principal; it results from passionate attachment and hence uncritical or ‘unexamining' outlook. Attachment (Moorchha) according to the Jainas is the cause of bondage. It causes perverse attitude.
In Jainism various types of attachments are enumerated. Among them Darśanamoha, due to its very nature Drstiraga (blind faith) has been reckoned ‘paramount'. In point of fact, it is considered as a central element in religious intolerance. It leads one's attitude towards a strong bias for one's own and against other's religion. Non-attachment is therefore considered as pre-condition for the right altitude or perception. Hence, a perverse and defiled attitude renders it impossible to view the thing rightly just as a person wearing coloured glasses or suffering from jaundice is unable to see the true colour of objects as they are.
Attachment and aversion are the two great enemies of philosophical thinking. Truth can reveal itself to an impartial thinker. Non-attachment, as Jainas hold, is not only essential, it is imperative in the search of truth. One, who is unbiased and impartial, can perceive the truth of his opponents' ideologies and
289 Jainism and its History
