Mahavira and his Philosophy of Life

Author(s): Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Jain Vidya Samsthan

Page 66

transformation. But it is only virtues in addition to thought that can effect transformation in the life of an individual and transmute existing state of affairs. Mahavira, no doubt, greatly emphasized the development of the individuals, inasmuch as he was convinced of the fact that there is nothing over and above the good of the individuals who compose the world. But he did not lose sight of the fact that the individual develops not in isolation but among other individuals. The proper adjustment of 'l'. and 'thou' leads to the healthiest development of both l' and 'thou'. 'Thou' may represent social and political institutions. Social and political institutions must exist for the good of the individuals. All individuals should live together in such a way that each individual may be able to acquire as much good as possible. Thus every individual, therefore, shall have certain responsibilities towards one another. This is the same as saying that an individual has certain social responsibilities. Therefore, social and individual morality are equally necessary to a good world. Mahavira unequivocally says that the 'other' is like our own. This does not mean that there are no individual. differences. Rather it means that an individual should be allowed freedom to develop his own individualities. There should not be any distinction between man and man on the basis of religion, race, nationality. To create differences between one individual and the other on these factors is derogatory, therefore, should be condemned ruthlessly. Consequently, Mahāvira exhorted us not to hate individuals on these accounts (Nirvicikitsa). These are irrelevant inequalities.
Mahåvira and his Philosophy of Life