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JAINISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Proff. Dr. Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar Understanding religion in perspective of humanistic approach has been an object of intellectual inquiry since inception. Religion, in fact, is a main source of encouragement to all who share in spirituality of enlightened teachers and their vision of humanity as one global family and the earth as one homeland. This humanitarian concept created awareness in the society particularly among the under privileged and down trodden groups or classes for protection and development. Several national and international instruments, such as Human Rites of 1948 came forward aginst torture, cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The developed countries consider the political and civil rights as the human rights but the developing countries regard the cultural, social and economical rights as the basic which are considered by them as Human Rights.
The objective of the present essay is to highlight the conspicuous feature and discerning appreciation of Jainism in general and to follow the principles of Human Rights in particular. It will also give a glimpse of its positive contribution to human life concerned with the comprehension of rich heritage of social, cultural, religious, spiritual and human values. Its antiquity, esoteric philoso-I phy and spirituality, ritualistic aspects in practice, literature, language and culture will manifest its contribution to the human val
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An Antiquity of Jainism
Jainism is one of the most ancient religions based on nonviolent and humanitarian approach towards all beings. It is an indigenous religion originated and developed on Indian soil with a profound progressive attitude and judicial understanding and philosophical indispensable necessities of the time. Jinas andj Tirthankaras who conquered the senses and worldly desires and attained the perfect knowledge and eternal happiness through observing the right asceticism for welfare of all animate. They are
