Pushkarmuni Abhinandan Granth

Author(s): Devendramuni, A D Batra, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Rajasthankesari Adhyatmayogi Upadhyay Shree Pushkar Muni Abhinandan Granth Prakashan Samiti

Page 800

Jainism : The Most Humanistic Religion
A humanistic religion must relieve men from doubt and perplexity and lead them to a region of happiness and serenity. It must interpret the universe and life in terms of human values and show the practical path of self-realization. These ethical principles are morally elevating as they do recognize the sacredness of all life and emphasise their practice in daily life as the surest means of elevating the soul. They are simple and can be observed by every one in accordance with his capacity. Their object is to improve the quality of life in society by emphasis on conversion of an individual into a selfless citizen with high morals and awareness of his duty towards his fellow-citizens. It does not debar its votary from achieving material progress in his life but requires him to regulate his life by self-control with an eye on charity and wellbeing of his fellow beings.
While I am on the question of Jaina ethics, I must refer to another aspect of the same which helps man to keep himself constantly alert in the development of his moral sense and his love for all living beings. Every Jaina, whether a Digambara or a Svetambara observes for ten or eight days a Festival of Universal Forgiveness technically known as the Paryushana-Parva or the Dashalakshana-dharma during which period every householder, whether man or woman must observe the ten rules of piety besides fasting each day partially or wholly. Study of scriptures, prayers and meditations accompanied by austerities and hearing of discourses are observed by the Jainas on each of the ten or eight days' festival. It is well-known that men live by the social ideals of their Prophets, particularly by such ideals as have appealed to them and form the philosophy of their life.
This Festival of Universal Forgiveness annually reminds every follower of the religion of the ten ideals which he must think over by self-study or by hearing discourses. They are ennobling qualities of life which contribute to our inner purity and add sweet kindness to our external conduct. They are :
(1) Supreme Forgiveness-As the saying goes to err is human, to forgive is divine. Its observance requires an inward introspection, repentance and confession of one's own faults consciously or unconsciously committed. There is a simple verse which everyone is required to recite and absorb its spirit so as to reflect it in his conduct towards all living beings :
"I forgive all living beings, may all living beings forgive me ;
I have love and friendship for all living beings and enemity towards none."
(2) Supreme Humility-Humility is the sign of real culture and learning. It is a virtue that adorns the learned and adds grace to his life. It annihilates all pride.
(3) Supreme Straight-forwardness-It requires a person to be straight-forward. Crookedness is a vice and is characteristic of the perverse. It creates suspicion and ruins friendship. It never begets any trust in others.
(4) Supreme Truthfulness- I have already spoken about the divine quality of this virtue. A truthful man is ever and everywhere trusted and respected. He can be fearless and attain real contentment and happiness.
(5) Supreme Purity-Purity of thought and action is next only to goldliness. To be pure is to be free from all passions. Inner purity is the highest strength which nothing on earth can diminish. Life is short but purity of soul is immortal.
(6) Supreme Self-Control-Self-control in thought, speech and action is what makes for goodness in life. It drives away enemity and engenders friendship and good-will among all members with whom a person with this virtue comes in contact. It is the virtue of the brave. It is the mother of all virtues and even great saints have lost the sanctity of their lives by sudden loss of self-control.