Nandanvana

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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(14) Nandanavana
Faith is a time taking process of finality. It has certain characteristics which shape the religious outlook a term referring to the mental make-up and activity based on definition,
(1) Faith develops from the delusion of ownership and ancientlyoriginators of conservation and traditionalism. Nehru said that in all countries, man is normally conservative and he is more so in the east.
(2) Conservatism breeds authority and protectionism. It does not allow doubt, curiosity, questioning or acceptance of newer thoughts, objects and actions. Status-quoism or staticism becomes the resultant attitude. The scriptures are taken as whole and final. (3) The prophetic tracing of most of the living religious of the world makes one dependant, escapist, past-oriented and conscious of incompetency of human senses and intelligence about its own extra mental creation the real truth. Man becomes dogmatic rather than pragmatic.
(4) The subjugating or authoritative religion breeds upon the ignorance of man which leads him to remain poor and backward10
The results of the above religious outlook have been devastating. (1) The prophetic character of religions led to the difference of opinion regarding their nature, function and power based on emotions and intellect are unverifiable by normal means. Every exegete posed his authority leading the humanity to divide in different dogmatic followings seemingly to be contradictory to each other, resulting in crucifixion and torture of individuals (like Anaxagoras, 500 BC, Bacon, Copernicus, Galileo etc.) and religious wars (e.g. eight during 1090-1290, one during 15691609 in west)" against the so-called different creeds in the east and west, and all over the world. The state status of religion did intensify the above activities resulting in increasing the sin and sorrow in the world. The state utilized the religion for its political and selfish means. There arose a parallel religious state-like institution, more conservative in the name of propagation and protection of faiths.
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(2) The devotional or ritual way of life ensued from super-humanistic base and dutiful path became secondary.