Jainism and Democracy

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

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JAINISM AND DEMOCRACY
ready for total annihilation of the human species. We have to make our choice. In the first case, we must learn to rise above the complex narrowing the vision of man. We shall have to see that conceit, zealousy, mutual hatred, greed for power and domination and such other passions are no more our guides.
We shall have to remove the narrow walls of 'I' and *mine' and learn thinking welfare of not only ourselves or a particular group but that of the entire humanity living in every corner of the world, or rather, of every being possessing life. We shall have to share the piece of bread in our possession with our starving neighbours even at the expense of our own hunger. It is in this perspective that I have chosen spiritual realization as my subject. The way to spiritual realization means the way to conquer these complexes and passions.
It is useless to discuss here what happens after realization or the condition of soul in that state. The propounders of different system of philosophy have given, in their own way, different explanations, which is just like an attempt to know the peak of a mountain sitting in a closed room. If you want to have a clear vision of the peak you will have to open the doors, move towards the mountain and climb it step by step. It is almost essential. Otherwise, your knowledge would remain merely a guess work. Similarly, to try understand the nature of salvation with an opposite move is a useless attempt. A wishful thinking. Logicians have discussed the subject and formed different ideas according to their fancy. But, they are and will remain for