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THE JAINA WAY OF LIFE*
Introduction
We are living in a scientifically and technically advanced world divided into "developed", "developing" and the "underdeveloped" regions. A keen competition is going on everywhere. Only a few are thriving and prospering while a majority of people lead a life of scarcity, want and impoverishment. There is tension, worry and unhappiness in the life of every one. Mr. F. L. Lucas, an English critic said, "Many a times, after pondering, I am amazed that some day the human civilisation would come to an end by man's own intellect and deterioration of self-control in the midst of the tension of the highly artificial civilisation."
Role of religion
Under these circumstances, we have to examine how Jaina religion can play a positive role in mitigating the sufferings of the common people. Jainism is one of the oldest religious traditions of the world. A long generation of Tīrthankaras, Ācāryas, saints and scholars belonged to this tradition. Lord Mahāvīra was the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of the present era. Mahāvīra, born with no supernatural powers, rose by the dint of his determination, self
Chapter - III
This was published in the Vedanta Kesari, a monthly journal of the Ramakrishna Math, Chennai.
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