Jainism and Democracy

Author(s): Indra Chandra Shastri
Publisher: I A S S Jain Conference New Delhi

Page 19

JAINISM AND DEMOCRACY
He announces friendship with all and enmity with none. This is very important ceremony of the rite. The annual rite is observed in Bhadrapada at the close of rainy season. Every Jain keeps a fast the whole day and observes the Solemn rite of Pratikraman in the evening. Next day he goes with folded hands to all acquaints and asks their forgiveness for any offense or disrespect for them committed in the past. Thus he begins a new chapter of friendship every year. This festival is known as Paryushana, Samvatsari or Dashalakshani. It is the highest and most sacred festival of Jainas.
Thus we see equality or friendship is the central point of all Jaina festivals also. The observation of a Festival of friendship annually or bi-annually or after five years on international basis would help a great deal to ease the world tensions. Friendship means mutual understanding compromise and a sympathetic attitude. This will lead the way to a world democracy.
Now, let us come to Jaina philosophy in its three aspects of ethics, metaphysics and logic.
Jaina ethics, is based on the theory of karman. Our passions and physical movements accumulate a certain type of matter which benears the soul with its dirt. The distinction between individuals is the effect of this dirt. Thus individual himself is responsible for washing out or further accumulation of karman. No deity or any other factor can interfere in it. Our miseries and happiness also depend upon the karmic influence. But the karmic influ