Some Historical Jaina Kings and Heros

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

Page 18

guidance of National legislatures and Political democracies. The Universal Progress and good of the world are emphasised with a view to the observance by the individual of his moral duty towards the human race based on the Principle of Ahimsa. And then it naturally becomes easy for him to make good progress in respect of his spiritual duty, which he has to observe next. He believes in the scientific aspect of religion, which according to Mahavira Vardhamana holds every individual responsible for his actions and master of his destiny-so much so that progressing on the Right Path, he can, after destroying all the obstacles in his way, one day become an all-knowing all-seeing and all-blissful perfect being. And to take the first step on the Right Path means to subduc human passions and cravings. Mahavira Vardhamana, the last great hero and spiritual conqueror of the Jaina Religion in India, was a paragon of this holy perfection. He himself fought a successfull battle of Salvation, and taught one and all to win it in similar manner. He said :
"Fight with your self; why fight with external foes? He who conquers himself through himself will obtain happincss. Making Faith his fortress, Penance and Selfcontrol the bolt of its gate, Paticnce its strong wall, so that guarded in
these ways it is imprcgnable. Making zcal 1. Piltaruluyayan: Sutr:1, 20-22/9).