________________
The Value and Heritage of Jain Religion how to overcome our personal view of things, which is often short-sighted, selfish and partial. It shows us how to remove discord and disharmony and establish concord and harmony in life, by being catholic and tolerant in our outlook and attitude towards others.
The principle of Anekantavada should be applied to every field of life. It shows how to respect candid opinions of all free thinkers of the world; the roots of modern democracy could be traced in this Jain principle. It establishes unity in diversity. It promises reconciliation of divergent or conflicting statements, thoughts, ideologies, systems, religions etc. The principle of Anekantavada, therefore, can be a great instrument for promoting peaceful co-existence and unity in the world.
Another great vow is the vow of non-stealing. Man should abandon all kinds of stealing. We should not take anything that is not given to us. Nor should we help anyone take what is not given to him.
The fourth great vow is that of celibacy. Bhagwan Mahavira added this great vow to the four of Tirthankara Parshvanath's and estabished its distinct importance. He said that all physical and mental miseries of the world are caused by the thirst for sensual pleasures. For all sensual pleasures are ultimately harmful.
The fifth great vow is of non-possession. Possession is the source of evil. Possession is not only the acquisition or accumulation of things, but also temptation for and attachment to things. No wonder C. Rajgopalachari wrote, “Restraint is the mark of Indian Culture." This sense of possession is the source of all the five evils viz. violence, untruthfulness, stealing, sensual pleasure and attachment. Today, we see that the chief
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
