________________
become a totally detached soul by radically destroying his attachments and hatred.
Now a question. arises as to why the sages preached that we should gradually go on diminishing our attachments and distaste. Now, even horses and elephants can be taught or trained to do something and, in circuses,even dogs are taught and trained to attempt certain acts. Now a days, a great deal of clamour is heard for education -but which education, which training? No one knows which education or training can be termed realistic and proper. It is very well said by a Western writer that man has changed this earth physically, chemically... and in many other ways, but the sorrowful thing is that he is himself utterly ignorant of the ultimate goal, as to why all this.
It is true that man has changed our earth in many ways as mentioned above but it is to be regretted that man does not know the ultimate purpose for which all this is done. This is the pitiable condition of our education in physical sciences. So why should we give such an education? What is to be achieved at the end? We have no idea, no thought at all about this. On the other hand, the spiritual teaching that the great sages and seers of the past have given is meant to achieve a definite purpose, a goal and this goal is to make man truly happy in this world and liberate him from the cycle of births and deaths through which he has been passing from endless ages. How can a man be happy? Can wealth and sensual pleasures bring happiness? Can he become happy by just filling his belly? American Psychologists say that man is not a belly but a brain. This means
3
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
