Book Title: Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1964
Author(s): Chainsukhdas Nyayatirth
Publisher: Rajasthan Jain Sabha Jaipur

View full book text
Previous | Next

Page 204
________________ 33 He concludes that the fault is not in multitude of men of different temptations average human nature but in the frame and stages of culture, and when the object work within which average human nature for which such repression is exercised, functions. Therefore, he suggests that a needs a prolonged period of struggle, change of mind is very essential. J. A. C. complex in character, I cannot think it Brown, the eminent Psychologist, is also possible of attainment." of the same view and holds that writers George Russell and Captain Liddell who try, like Aldous Huxley, Gerald Hart have also raised similar objections Heard, and others, to change society by about its practicability to solve great advocating a change of heart philosophy, conflicts though they recognised its great are missing the point. He, also, like other potentialities. This is the general objecwesterns. believes in the change of tion against non-violence. outlook together with a fundamentlly alteration in the environment without The doctrine of Ahimsa is generally which the change of mind would be considered to be a weapon only for spiritual ineffectual. per fection of an individual, and is not considered to be meant for the furtherance With Tagore also the doctrine of of a movement for political gains by men Ahimsa was a broken truth although he who have not abandoned the path of recognised the strength of non-violence. self. But it is mistaken to think nonHe did not believe in the efficacy of violence not applicable to masses or for Ahimsa for the attainment of an immedi permanent benefits in the political field. ate attainment of an immediate political These critics seem to take for granted objective. He observed inclusively, "like that the disciplines available to establish every other moral principles Ahimsa has mass habits of powerful gentleness are to spring from the depth of mind, and it only in the realm of spirit. I am wholly must not be forced upon man from some of the opinion that if peace and permaoutside appeal of urgent need. The great nent peace is to come on earth, it will personalities of the world have preached come only through the weapon of nonlove, forgiveness, and non-violence, pri violence and not through wars and marily for the attainment of some imme violence. diate success in politics and similar depart As a matter of fact reason alone, which ments of life. They were aware of the is the product of mind, can do nothing. difficulties of their teaching being realised Things of fundamental importance can be within a fixed period of time in a sudden secured by satisfying reason as well as by and wholesale manner by man whose change of heart. Social aims we must previous course of life had cheifls pursued have in view. Social service will engender the path of self. Nodoubt, though a in the plastic young mind a feeling of strong compulsion of desire for some brotherhood and sisterhood. As Jodh external results, men are capable of repres. Dewy aptly says, "It is not enough to sing their habitual inclination for a limited teach the horrors of war and to avoid time, but when it concerns an immense everything which would stimulate inter Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

Loading...

Page Navigation
1 ... 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214