Jains Today in World

Author(s): Pirre Paul AMIEL
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 17

xvi
This work of Mr. Pierre Amiel precisely throws lights on the present position of Jain community and Jainism. But I would not hesitate to say that his observations about Jain community are partially true because mostly they are based on the American Jain society. Though he has tried to put some accounts of his observation on Indian Jain society also. Secondly, he has not dealt much with the problems which the human society is facing today and their's remedy through Jain perspective. It is most important to discuss as to how Jainism cares for the present day world problems which in short are as follows:
Problem of mental tension
Among the most burning problems the world is facing today is the problem of mental tension. The growth of scientific knowledge and outlook has destroyed our superstitions and false dogmas. But unfortunately it has shaken our faith in spiritual and human values. Today we have more knowledge and faith in atom and atomic power than the values needed for the peaceful life. Today the life on earth is so luxurious and pleasant as it was never before but due to selfish and materialistic outlook nobody is happy and satisfied, as a result every one is tensed. The intoxication of ambition and success has made us more greedy and egoistic. Our ambition and desires have no limit. And, when they are not fulfilled, create frustration, which culminates into emotional disorder and mental tension.
As a remedy for this problem Jainism teaches us detachment or anāśakti. Uttarādhyayana-sūtra says that "the root of all sufferingsphysical as well as mental of everybody including Gods, is attachment, the root cause of mental tension. Only a detached outlook towards the object of worldly enjoyment can free mankind from mental tension".