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

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Page 180
________________ TWO PHASES OF CULTURE 167 ficance. It meant for the satisfaction of baser instincts. It was more decorative than creative. It aimed not at the ennoblement of personality but to satisfy the crayings of a weak and passionate heart leading it to further weakness. Ornaments : The paraphernalia of native princes presents a .glaring example of the above. Whenever they go out on a ceremonial processions their ride on an elephant with umberalla on the head. The attendant goes on swinging chouries (719), the troops of soldiers with naked swords and spears sorround them. The umberalla is meant for protection from the sunshine or rain and it might have some utility when going out in the hot :sun or clement weather. But now it has become an indispensible sign of royal glory. Chouries were swung for removing flies. The circles of troops necessitated as a guard against the sudden attack of the enemy but now they have become mere decorations without any real dignity. Not only this they have been regarded as indispensible sign of nobility. Even the procession of deity is incomplete without them. Mahavira and Buddha denounced the royal glory. They left the princly life and became medicants. But for the devotees the picture of a medicant with begging bowl is unpalatable. Their concept of greatness is different from that of the superman idealized a deity. Consequently they put ornaments on the body of the image and take it out with royal pomp and show. They do not want to mould their life and heart according to the life of the deity, but try to display their ego in the field Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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