Sambodhi 2001 Vol 24

Author(s): Jitendra B Shah, K M Patel
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 19

14
NAGIN J. SHAH
SAMBODHI Their principle of non-violence requires them to respect the views of others. One must try to understand others. Jainas believe that truth is manysided; and one must be tolerant enough to understand the truth in others a views. This is the spirit of their doctrine of Anekāntavāda. Their liberality and religious tolerance are exemplary. Hemacandra, a Jaina monk, went to Somanath with the Solanki king Siddharāja and there paid his homage to Lord Shiva, full of devotion and spiritual fervour. Jainas went on pilgrimage to Somnath and Dvarka too. A glorious instance of Jainas' religious tolerance is provided by Vastupāla. He built mosques so that Muslims can perform their Namaz. Again, it is he who sent as gift to Makka Sherif, a holy place of Muslim pilgrimage, a finely carved marble arch (torana) which cost him thousands of rupees in these days. Can there be any better illustration of religious tolerance ? It is no wonder, therefore, its Gujarat produces Mahātmā Gandhi, a prophet of religious tolerance and Hindu-Muslim unity. The secret of religious tolerance and liberality of Gujarati people lies in this noble tradition.
It is due to their principle of non-violence that the Jainas avoid occupations involving harm to living creatures and accept careers in business as bankers, lawyers, merchants, jewellers, grocers, and recently industrialists. Their shrewd business capacity, honesty, reliability, loyalty, integrity and religiosity have won them immense wealth and influence in Gujarat. Their contibution to the commercial prosperity of Gujarat is remarkable. As businessmen Gujaratis are wellknown in the world. Shrewd business capacity is in their blood. This is due to the age-old business atmosphere of Gujarat, mainly created by the Jainas.
As members of the society, the Jainas have been advised to practise Aparigraha, i.e. one's possessions must be only to the extent of one's minimum needs; and surplus should be given to others who are less fortunate. This is voluntary self-imposition of socialism. If you have more, you allow others to share it. This made Jainas to expend their wealth on cultural and social activities which result in the good of the people and the nation. Being devotedly attached to their religion they have built magnificent temples, the style of which commands applause of the best architectural critics. Fine carvings and sculptures of Jaina temples at Mt. Abu, Ranakpur and Tarangā Hills make onlookers spellbound. Their most sacred place is Mt. Shatruñjay. Its summits are encrusted with marble temples. Each and every town or city of Gujarat has at least one Jain marble temple-neat and clean. Jainas have spent their moeny on building