________________
28
JAINISM AND DEMOCRACY
even after ceasing to believe its truth. It requires great courage to correct oneself, particularly in an esteeed position after the accumulation of fame and popularity. It is realy a tragedy that the person, though aware of his mistake, is not allowed to correct himself. This is why the seeker of truth is enjoyed to run away from fame or other egoistic fascinations.
3. The perversion of doubt (sāṁshayic). To be continually doubtful in mind, without resolution or determination. leading to action. The progress of a person with this perversion is hampered by fluctuations He does not gather enough force to rise to his feet and
move.
4. The perversion of undeveloped consciousness (anābhog). This is found among the animals, who are devoid of any consciousness of lower or higher values, creatures of instinct.
Jainism holds further that knowledge and without a right attitude is a perverted knowledge and conduct without it is a perverted conduct. Knowledge is no doubt a power which can be used for a good as well as a bad purpose. When the object is bad, the power
.or instrument leading to its attainment also comes in the same class. Similarly if a power is used for a good purpose, it becomes good. Power in the hands of a devil is keown as āsuri shakii (devilish power) and the same in the hands of a god becomes divine (daivī shakti). Thus the perversion or purity of knowledge is not intrinsic but pragmatically determined, according to the attitude of knower. The same rule applies in
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
