________________
8
Universal Message of Lord Mahāvīra
the same path as prescribed by the Jinas. Jaina monks and nuns move about in all parts of the country bare-footed, keeping minimum equipment required for their spiritual practice. There are some Digambara monks too who remain unclad. Jaina laity still practises complete vegetarianism and mostly leads a life free of vices and intoxicants. At the same time, the Jaina community is richly endowed with education and material comforts. They lead in the field of industry and business and have established a large number of charitable institutions for the cause of education, medical benefits and service to the downtrodden.
Heritage of Jaina Scriptures The teachings of Lord Mahāvīra are preserved in the Jaina scriptures, which have come down to us through a very rich tradition. The Tīrtharkaras preached and the Ganadharas gave a structure to those preachings in the Āgamas. The Ācāryas and the saints protected and preserved them. These Āgamas serve as the source of understanding Jaina philosophy and culture and also of Indian thought and way of life at that time. Mahāvīra's preachings are like the innumerable pearls of wisdom that are found in abundance in the limitless and unfathomable ocean of knowledge. In the words of the Late Upadhyaya Amar Muni, “The Sūtra literature of Jainas is deeper than the deepest ocean in which innumerable divine pearls of wisdom are hidden. It is a great storehouse of golden words. It is important not only for the inspiration it gives to tread the path of righteousness and spirituality but also for the message it gives for the harmonious development of family and social life. The aphorisms on moral and ethical progress are scattered here and there in all the Agamas, which lay a strong foundation for a peaceful and humanitarian world. If
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
