________________ this, we could say in the words of Joseph Gear, "Those who have lived among the Jainas find them very kindly people, and better people because of their religion." We should unite at this crucial juncture of world history and make efforts to save humanity from extinction. It is essential that we try our best to revitalize our religious and moral principles and unite to ensure peace and harmony. Jainism preaches amity towards all beings, compassion for the miserable and detachment towards possessions. In order to discourage violence, Bhagwan Mahavir proclaimed that the entire human race is one. एक्का मणुस्सााई। At a time when communalism, hatred, violence and terrorism have become rampant in contemporary times, this preaching of Bhagwan Mahavir should be our true ideal. Indeed, we have many ideals before us but it is time to practise them. If a world religion of this order is to emerge, I have no hesitation in saying that most of the tenets of Jainism will always find a proud of place in it. The Greeks used to say, "Call no man happy until he be dead." Whereas Jainism on the other hand, claims : "Call every man happy who lives his life following truthfully the principles of Jainism." The message of Jainism has even a greater relevance today. By following this path, it will be possible for us to make a meaningful use of the wonderful inventions of science and technology and make them truely blissful and create global society free from hunger and hate - at peace with itself and with its environment. Thus there will be a heaven on this earth. What more does a human being want ? 16 0
