Some Historical Jaina Kings and Heros

Author(s): Kamtaprasad Jain
Publisher: Jain Mitra Mandal

Page 17

of a higher kind of life, and then restrict yourself to the least-evolved kind of life." . This does not sanction hurting and injuring. It limits the violence to the lowest possible minimum and inspires its adherent to live so as to facilitate the greatest advancement and spiritual salvation of the greatest number of souls. Mahavira Vardhamana was an Omniscient Teacher and He knew well that the man in the street has to observe the two-fold duty-the one pertaining to this world and the other to his spiritual welfare. Accordingly, He took up the World-Cause first and began with the village, which is without doubt the main and principle factor of social life.' He asked the villager to observe the GamaDhamma, (village duty), in order to promote the causé of humanity and the well-being of those living in villages. After the villager comes the citizen, whom He exhorts also, to observe his Nagara-Dhamma (townsman's duty), bearing in mind the high Principle of Ahimsa. When villagers and citizens are welltaught, it is easy to enforce the observance of the Ratta-Dhamma (National duty), which is essential, according to Mahavira, for the progress and good of a nation. Further on Mahavira' speaks of KulaDhamma (Duty of clan), Gana-Dhamma (Duty of a Corporation), which are meant for the humane
1. The "Thananga-Sutra,"