________________
Jainism: The Cosmic Vision of truth in everything. Never say: 'I am right;' but say, 'whatever is right belongs to me'. In Mahavira's time, there were many disputes and controversies and everyone believed he/she was right. Mahavira said: 'Don't be self-centred and don't look at things from your point of view only (ekant), but from others point of view also (anekant). Then and then only you will be able to know undiluted truth.' Thus anekant' philosophy is Mahavira's greatest gift to mankind, according to Vinoba. Long before Einstein, Mahavira thought of relativism 2600 years ago.
The key concept in Jainism is 'harmony', or 'synthesis'. As the world shrinks, congruence of religions becomes a necessity. All religions must coexist. Kings Kumarpal and Vishnuvardhan had this vision in mind when they built Shiva and Vishnu temples along with Jinalayas. Kalikalsarvagna Hemchandracharya performed pooja in Shivalay in Somnath. Not only that he prayed there, but composed a verse propitiating Bhagwan Shiva. It is, therefore, hoped that the idea of anekant will be the foundation of synthesising the sublime elements of all religions. Mahavira had waged a war against blind beliefs, rigid customs and traditions which hamper one's spiritual growth. The word 'Vardhaman' connotes 'progress' or 'progressive'. And one whose mind is free from prejudices can only become nirgranth. Mahavira sought to remove the cobwebs of beliefs and customs and free the soul from these shackles which bind it and prevent its liberation. 'That is true religion which does not bind the soul, but facilitates its liberation', he said. His religion has stood the test of time since it encompasses even scinetific vision. Dr. Jagdishchandra Bose proved that there was life in plants and this was what Rishabhdev had said earlier. In fact religion is
144
Timeless Message of Bhagwan Mahavita science - science believes in experiments to find truth, while religion has self-evident truth, truth which is realised by great souls.
The third Vrat advocated by Mahavira is asteya meaning non-stealing or abjuring stealing of any kind. One should not accept anything that one has not earned or deserved and should not be a party to any such deal. Anything, that does not rightfully belong to us, must not be touched or accepted. Today we witness a spectacle in which people grab everything and anything that does not rightfully belong to them. Modern man has become avaricious - avarice is the besetting sin of the present society leading to so many other evils. If the vow of asteya is practised, India will be the envy of the world.
The fourth vrat preached by Mahavira is brahmacharya (celibacy). 'Carnal desire is the root cause of all the evils', he said. A river has two banks to control its flow; similarly human beings must also exercise, restraint and control their desires.
Permissiveness has done great harm to the existing society and it is therefore all to see and hence the need for restraint (nigraha). The key to happiness and peace lies in it, asserted Mahavira. Free reign to desires, especially carnal desires, has led the society to the brink of disaster with deadly diseases like AIDS spreading their tentacles and jeopardising the lives of many. Hence the watchword is 'restraint'.
The fifth vrat is aparigraha (non-possessiveness). Possessive instinct leads to sinning. Everyone is in hot pursuit of things; the desire to possess dominates and in the mad race, all sorts of sins and undesirable acts are committed. Mahavira expressed his views emphatically and
145
