Studies in Jainism

Author(s): Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture Culcutta
Publisher: Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture Culcutta

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STUDIES IN JAINISM
at its source, irrespective of being divided later into the Upanisadic, Buddhist, Jain, Ajivak, and other rivulets. This work is a clear proof of the assimilative and tolerant nature of Indian thought. Today when we are deeply bogged down in communal separatism and strife, this great work could be an enlightening guide.
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Thus the position these Upaniṣadic Rṣis held in early books of Jainism is clear evidence that the stream of Indian spirituality is one at its source. We cannot have a proper understanding of these trends if we treat them in isolation. Acaranga, Sūtrakṛtavya, and Ṛṣibhāṣita may be understood in a better way only in the light of the Upanisads and vice versa; similarly the Suttanipāta, Dhammapada, Thergatha, and other works of the Pali canon can be properly studied only in the light of the Prākṛta Jaina canon and the Upanisads. Now I will speak a few words on the relevance of Jainism and Jainist studies in the present era.
NEED OF OUR AGE
The growth of scientific knowledge and outlook has destroyed our superstitions and false dogmas. But unfortunately and surprisingly it has shaken our faith in spiritual and human values. Today we know more about the atom and atomic forces than the values needed for a meaningful and peaceful life. Nowadays, due to tremendous advancement of science and technology, we have light-legged means of transportation. Physical distance is no bar to meeting people of different nationalities, cultures, and religions, and consequently we have come closer and more dependent on each other as we were never before. Our world is shrinking, but unluckily, the distance between our hearts is increasing day by day. Instead of developing mutual love and co-operation, we are spreading hatred and hostility and thus ignoring the values of co-existence and co-operation which are essential for our very existence. Rabindranath Tagore rightly observes, 'For men to come near to one another and yet to continue to ignore the claims of humanity is a sure process of suicide.' The advancement of our knowledge could not sublimate our animal and selfish nature. The