Universal Message of Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Dulichand Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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Universal Message of Lord Mahāvīra
For social reconstruction, in fact for the survival of the society, voluntary limitation of desires and personal possessions is the only solution. Environmental degeneration due to too much spread of consumerism can be checked only by the self-imposed discipline of limited desires and limited possessions. Amassing of wealth for the sake of accumulation will not help the individual nor the society; it is harmful for both, with increase in disparities leading to consequent evils of mental restlessness, jealousy, envy, corruption etc. The middle path of Icchā-parimāņa (limiting of desires) would check both poverty and luxury with the motto that possessions are only a means and not the end in themselves.”:16
Anekānta: Regard for other's Ideologies & Faiths
Today due to the progress of science and technology, the world has practically become a single family. Hence, we should have broadness of our thoughts also. We cannot solve world problems with parochial outlook and sectarian thoughts. According to Dr. Ramji Singh, "Inter-existence is the positive option for mankind. Either there is organic growth of mankind or there is organic destruction of human civilisation. The growth of scientific knowledge and outlook has destroyed most of our false dogmas and superstitions but it has failed to provide us knowledge that could sublimate our animal and selfish nature. Animality has been dominating our individual as well as social behaviour. Hence, our life has become full of tensions, turmoil and disorders. Therefore, although we are outwardly pleading for world peace and non-violence, yet inwardly we have been preparing for war. Humanity is tottering today upon the brink of the principle of selfannihilation due to the lack of proper understanding which includes understanding ourselves and understanding the views of
others."17