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Sanita Banana 51:272.02. Sri Variana Sam Sm? Sanana Sun . SANAWIN Soma
Samana Sama Toan Snyrti YI0.19 atau auras SC . Srama 7. S
a n. Sinan:
S a Sauna Sram SONOS S121.. Sama Sam Sramona SARAN
Duli Chand Jain*
Introduction
We are living in a scientifically and technically advanced world divided into "Developed", "developing" and the "Under-developed" regions. A keen competition is going on everywhere. Only a few are thriving and prospering whilst a majority of people lead a life of scarcity, want and improverishment. There is tension, worry and unhappiness in the life of every one. Mr. F.L. Lucas, an English Critic said, "Many a times, after pondering, I am amazed that some day the human civilisation would come to an end, not by an atom bomb, or famines or any such means, but it would come to an end by man's own intellect and deterioration of self-control in the midst of the tension of the highly artificial civilisation."
Role of religion
Under these circumstances we have to examine, how Jain religion can play a positive role in mitigating the sufferings of the common people. Jainism is one of the oldest religious traditions of the world. A long generation of Tirthankaras, Ācāryas, saints and scholars belonged to this tradition. Lord Mahāvira was the twentyfourth Tirthankara of the present era. Mahāvīra, born with no supernatural powers, rose by the dint of his determination, selfdiscipline, compassion, forbearance and other qualities of heart to the highest position among men and acquired the status of a Tirthankara or omniscient.
Mahavira and his Teachings
Lord Mahāvīra observed rigorous austerities spread over for * Jain Industrial Corporation, 70, Sembudoss Street, Chennai-600001.
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