Jainism and Democracy

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

Page 74

THE WAY OF INNER DEVELOPMENT
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ever, far from the reality. A thing of realization cannot be expressed in words. It is beyond even mental approach. The Achārāya says-Logic cannot reach it, intellect cannot grasp it.
Really speaking, the discussion whether the ideal of salvation is attainable or not attainable does not serve any purpose. What is important is the way prescribed for it. It is certain that the traveller of this path does contribute to the happiness of his own self as well as of the world. The quantity of mental satisfaction increase as he moves further and further. No doubt, he does not add to our material gain; yet, he provides a sure remedy to the sufferings where material gains have failed. Further, it can be asserted, without an inch of hesitation, that the traveller of this path never suffers and none suffers through him. He is danger to none and none is danger to him. He is a blessing to himself, blessing to the Society and blessing to even his enemies. Lord Krishna says in the Gitā~"O Arjuna ! rest assured that a devotee of mine never perishes”.
The schools of Indian Philosophy hold different views regarding the nature of realization. But they are one not only in prescribing a way to it but also in the saliant features of that way. The scope of this paper is not sufficient for a co-operative study. Here, I shall try to show the way as prescribed by Jainism.
The soul, according to Jainism, consists of four Infinites, i.e., Infinite Knowledge (Ananta Jñāna), Infinite Intuition (Ananta Darsana), Infinite Happiness (Ananta Sukha) and Infinite Potency (Ananta Virya).