________________ 72 . Homage to Vaisali them to do so. Within the orbit of Vaisali, Vedic religion, Buddhism and Jainism lived together in harmony; the example of the general Simha, who gave up Jainism in favour of Buddhism, when he was convinced of its truth, will show that men could change their religion according to their spiritual convictions, without incurring any social displeasure of inviting any religious persecution. Vaigali knew how to combine respect for tradition with regard for new truths, and so Caitya worship, Vedic religion, Buddhism and Jainism all lived side by side and in harmony. Different religious theories and ideologies have to learn today how to live in harmony with one another; for the world is wide enough for accommodating all honest views and convictions. They must, bowever, be honest and be prepared to extend that tolerance to others which they expect for themselves. NEED OF SOCIAL REFORM Hinduism has to set its house in order and many reforms are necessary in our social and religious structure if it is to support the weight of the Republican Constitution. Vaigali always stood for reform; had it not been so, Buddhism and Jainism would not have prospered on its soil. It was also at Vaisali that the Buddha extended spiritual enfranchisement to women by admitting them to the Holy Order. As is, however, well known, Buddha was not enthusiastic for the change and gave his consent to it with reluctance. It would be, however, wrong to misconstrue this reluctance of the Buddha and to cite it as a proof of his unprogressive views. On the other hand we have to take a lesson from it. The Buddha knew that, human nature, passions and frailties being what they are, there is an obvious danger in admitting imperfect and inexperienced young men and women; precautions have to be taken, lest the permission to mix together should tend to deterioration of morals. Actually one of the causes of the downfall of the Buddhism was the deterioration in morals due to the too close an association of monks and nuns. Now India is rightly removing the Purdah and allowing women a number of facilities not extended to them before. This is all what should be. But let us take the precaution to see that the decencies of private and public life are mainatained in new India, and liberty does not degenerate into licentiousness. Subject to this obvious precaution, we have to follow the noble example of the Buddha and remove immediately a number of disabilities and grievances of women. Polygamy bas to be abolished, and the proprietory rights of women have to be enlarged both in the property of their parents and of their husbands. MESSAGE OF VAISALI IN A NUTSHELL | Vaisali thus serves as a beacon light to us even after its fall about 1300 years ago. In the intellectual and philosophical spheres she stood for
