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Tolerance in Jaina Religion: Through the Ages
Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh
In this age of globalization and advancement of communication technology there is visible erosion in human values. Due to materialistic approach non-religious outlook specially on the part of youth, etical concern is loosing its relevance. Ultimately harmony of the society is in danger. Thre is need to think over the positive aspect of religion. This article is an attempt to underline the practical aspect of religious tolerance of Jainas as well as the basic tenets expounded in Jaina texts which are the key-stone for religious harmony in the world.
-Editor
The world, today, is a highly interdependent global society--a global city--a global village. The development of advance technology, communication system and trade has brought about unprecedented changes in the pattern of thinking and approach of the people towards life. The whole world is in the grip of materialistic outlook. The onslaught of materialism, consumerism etc. is proving to be serious threat in maintaining spirit of goodwill and harmony in the world. Through advance communication technologies religious and social organizations, corporate groups and other activists are attracting, communicating and influencing any number of people, in any part of the world, with whatever theme, very conveniently, at their choice. In the field of religion religious leaders seem to have left refraining from insisting that their religion alone embodies the whole truth and all others are groping in the darkness. The widening gulf, among the adherents of various religions as well as within their sub-sects, has assumed dangerous proprtion and is threatening world's peace and harmony. The humanity as a whole is facing the most severe threat, due to the division of society on the basis of caste, creed, society, region and nationality.