Book Title: Jainism The Cosmic Vision
Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Mahavir Foundation London

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Page 160
________________ Timeless Message of Bhagwan Mahavira Jain religion is opposed to discrimination based on caste, colour or creed. "Bow not to a person,but to the virtues he/she has," it says. Take refuge in religion, asserted Mahavira and it will lead you to liberation. The universe today is in vice-like grip of pollution. Trees are mercilessly razed to the ground and the disastrous consequences in the form of famine or floods, soil erosion etc are there for all to see. We are not sure whether the inhabitants in 21st century will get natural rain or man-made acid rain! Many living organisms have been annihilated leading to imbalance in the eco-system. The message of Jainism rings true - non-violence to one and all. Secondly, it prohibits eating of vegerables on certain day, which reflects its concern for enviornmental protection. 'Truth' is another pillar of Jainism. It postulates: "I will not practise falsehood, will not force others to practise it and will not support it." Truth is God, it says in Acharang Sutra. Truth springs in the human heart and cannot be forced. One must take care to see that one avoids falsehoods or telling lies, consciously or unconsciously. About nirgranth, Mahavira says : He will think twice before he speaks for if he speaks without thinking, he may have to resort to lies. He will never get angry for an angry man may tell lies. He will not be tempted for temptation, which may compel him to indulge in falsehood. He will overcome fear, for fear may lead him to telling lies. He will not indulge in making fun of others, for he may inadvertently tell lies. Jain philosophy, thus, emphasises the importance of truth. It says: 'Never say I am right, for others can be right, too,' for truth is relative. This liberal view is called anekant. It means tolerance, synthesis, coexistence. Try to find an element 143 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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