Book Title: Jainism and Democracy
Author(s): Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: I A S S Jain Conference New Delhi

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Page 170
________________ TWO PHASES OF CULTURE In Sanskrit the world 'Culture' is translated as Hazifa Sanskriti. It is derived from the root 5 to do with proposition which indicates collectiveness. Thus the term Sanskriti means a collective effort. The word l' also has the same derivation. Hindu 'Sanskaras" means the social or collective ceremonies. In psychology 87717 means the collective impression of mental, vocal and physical activity. The word "Samāja’ also gives a similar sense but there we have the root 5 595 which indicates movement or progress. The group of men moving or progressing collectively is called 'Samaja'. Later the meaning of Samsakriti changed. Panini appropriates. it in the sense of ornamentation which is more decora- . tive than creative. The word 'Samskara' also took the sense of refinement which means both inner development and external embelishment. The history of every culture points out both the phases. In the sana ylpatct of Kalidasa, the old chamberlin says that in his youth he adopted the staff as a sign of royalty. But as the age advanced, the same has become a support for his body. The history of Culture reflects the same factor in reverse form. Every cultural phenomenon comes into existence to fulfil a particular purpose. It begins with particular aim having a utilitarian view-point. Gradually the real utility vanishes and its 157 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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