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Role of Women in Jain Religion
Jainism: The Cosmic Vision Non-violence recognises neither east nor west - it's for the whole world to adopt. The people of the world must unite and establish peace in the world and make it a livable place. We must strive for progress and spiritual development, and that, too, through non-violent means. It is not a synonym for cowardice or timidity. It's a powerful force which can fight against even terrorism. The opponent should be reformed and the trace of violence from his heart should be removed. This alone can usher peace in the world. It is not a negative force. It is positive and its foundation is based on universal love and brotherhood. It is a soul force; and unites one soul with another. From Mahavira to Gandhi to Martin Luther King, non-violence has continued to hold beacon light. Let us make twenty-first century a non-violent one and save the world from war, bloodshed and terrorism. The penance lies in non-violence alone.
A mong religions, Jain Religion has contributed some original ideologies to the world. The most significant aspect of it is that it has always respected the smallest of the insects among living organisms and this attitude extends even to a blade of grass. As a legitimate consequence, equality amongst men and fraternity with the animals, the insects and nature in all its manifestations has come to be the essential feature of Jain ideology. It is but natural for such a religion to cultivate an attitude of respect towards women. The period, when Jain religion emerged as a major religion, also saw casteism and class-hatred ruling supreme. A few of the classes or castes styled themselves as superior to others and the inferior classes were required to serve them as bonded labourers. Jain religion opposed this inhuman class distinction and glorified the soul that dwelt within each human being. Obviously, therefore, it emphasised equality between men and women. Jain religion regarded
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