Spiritual Guide

Author(s): Rajyashsuri
Publisher: Labdhi Vikramsuri Sanskruti Kendra Ahmedabad

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towards the views and opinions of others, to cultivate the spirit of equanimity, to hate sin but not the sinner and never to speak ill of others are the teachings of Jain religion. Even the lay Jain has to take vows to abstain from causing injury to others and meditate daily for sometimes and undertake periodic penance.
The Acharya referred to the central philosophy of Jainsim, ""Anekantavada" (non-absolutism). The core of the teaching is that to comprehend the real nature of anything, one should pay due regard to all points of view according to its merits.
Citing the parable of the elephant and the blind men the Acharya said divergent opinions could be expressed to deal with a substance. Long ago Bhagawan Mahavira had realized that an individual can conquer himself only by his own efforts and exertion and hence he laid stress on the development of spirit of the man and prescribed the path of truth, non-violence, self-realization, tolerance, universal benevolence, social service and selfabnegation to lead him to salvation.
Poorest of the Poor and the Richest of the Rich, Both get similar Blessings from a Sadhu.
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SIGNIFICANCE OF JOINT FAMILY SYSTEM
Dt. 13-08-1979
Two of the essential teachings projected by the Jain Ramayana relate to the consequence of the pride a man displays and the significance of the joint family system. Where a person has been brought up amidst his kith and kin, his power of endurance will be amazing. The Jain Ramayana, written by Vimalsuriji centuries ago in Prakrit, is called 'Pauma Chariyam' or 'Padma Charitram'. The theme of the epic is similar to the one followed by Valmiki with variations in the narration.
Muni Rajyashvijayaji, the Jain leader saint, in his discourse at Mint Street, referred to the special emphasis laid on the duties of a son. Sri Ram could have refused to go to the forest as the promise of two boons was made only by His father to Kaikeyi. Sri Rama could have bluntly declined or raised His dissenting voice, but He willingly left as a mark of reverence to Dasharatha. When elders had undertaken to carry out a task, it was the duty of succeeding generations to fulfil their wishes sincerely and discharge their obligations. Obedience to parents' command and respect to elders and their words have thus been highlighted in the Jain version.
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