Book Title: Tulsi Prajna 2005 04
Author(s): Shanta Jain, Jagatram Bhattacharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

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Page 120
________________ principle of 'live and let live' also symbolizes that every being should so much restrict and limit his activity that he may not come into clash with any other's life and treat all others like his soul. When this dignity of selfsoul as similar to other souls springs forth, then that man becomes vigilant to his responsibilities and turns affectionate and tender hearted to all the beings. Dr. L.M. Singhvi, Former High-Commissioner of India in U.K. says (in Jain Declaration on Nature): "the concept of universal interdependence underpins the Jain doctrine of knowledge, known as Anekantavada or the doctrine of manifold aspects. This doctrine trains mind to give due respect to the feelings and ways of life of other persons and communities. It makes one tolerant towards others' point of view thereby promoting interpersonal relation as well as dignity of an individual". "Jain cosmology recognizes the fundamental natural phenomenon of symbiosis or mutual dependence... The ancient Jain scriptual aphorism Parasparopgraho Jīvānām (all life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence) is refreshingly contemporary in its premise and perspective. ..... Life is viewed as a gift of togetherness, accommodation and assistance in a universe timing with interdependent constituents." Therefore everyone should be respected. To maintain the dignity of man, Jainism applied non-violence in a positive way, that is, in the direction of increasing the welfare of human being as well as other living beings. Jainism always appealed to the people to bear good intentions about the property of others, to show active interest in the welfare of the needy persons, and to take steps to ameliorate the miserable condition of afflicted living beings including insects, birds, animals and human beings. This approach to lessen the miseries of men includes vrata i.e. vow of aparigraha. Aparigraha involves avoiding the fault of parigraha which consists in desiring more than what is needed by an individual. Accumulating even necessary articles in large numbers, expressing wonder at the prosperity of others, excessive greed and changing the proportion of existing possessions are all forms of parigraha. The vow of Aparigraha is very noteworthy as it indirectly aims at economic equalization and eradication of poverty by peacefully preventing undue accumulation of wealth in individual hands. It has been also said by Acharya Bhikshu (Aṇukampā 7.10-27) - man should not be means to acquiring wealth or other things. His dignity should be maintained. On utilitarian grounds a person should not be grouped as rich or poor and minority or majority because of his force and independent existence. Acārānga Sūtra says (2.49): "frequently a soul is तुलसी प्रज्ञा अप्रेल - जून, Jain Education International 2005 For Private & Personal Use Only 115 www.jainelibrary.org

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