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Tolerance in Jaina Religion: Through the Ages : 97 Universal virtues such as non-violence, friendliness, service to the humanity, truthfulness, honesty, control over senses etc. are commonly shared by all the religions of the world.
Though tolerance is mainly concerned with the religious outlook yet it is a virtue which is reflected in attitude towards various aspects of life. Its spirit cannot be cultivated in isolation but a number of other virtues are required as its precondition. Therefore, to comprehend in totality, the theory and application of tolerance in the context of Jaina tradition, the basic tenets of a religion ought to be understood. Essence of Religion: For comprehending the true nature of Religion „a look at the definitions given by Jaina Ach. in their respective works is necessary. We find that 1. Kindness (dayā),2.Three jewels ,3.Jīvadayā- kindness, 4. Non-violence (ahimsā), 5.Friendliness (maitri),6. Absence of Non-religion (adharmarahita), 7. Forgiveness (kşamā), 8. Nature of Reality (vastusvabhāva) ,9. Absence of Violence (ahiṁsā-rahitattva) have been described as the main characteristic of religion in their definitions." The religion based on kindness (dayā), etc. universal virtues is bound to be magnanimous and tolerant. Human Race is one. Jainism, since its inception, believes in and advocates religious tolerance. Entire humanity, according to Jaina tradition, is unitary as a race because no element discriminating them is found in human as species. Jatasinghnandi, the author of Varāngacarita, maintains that human as a whole belonging to one species (jāti) it is improper even on the basis of valid knowledge (pramāna) and stand points (nayas), to highlight inequality by dividing them among the class of brāhmaṇa, ksatriya, vaisya and śūdra.).20 Ach. Guņabhadra, writes that no diversity of figure (ākrti) exists ,as between cow and horse, among human beings. If there were disparities of figure among them it would have been proper to admit the caste- differences.21 This approach of oneness towards human being is bound to inculcate the spirit of tolerance and goodwill
