Vijaydharmasuri

Author(s): A J Sunavala
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

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THE MONK AT BENARES
THE FIVE CARDINAL PRECEPTS OF JAINISM He then made a lucid exposition of the Jain religion, showing how the five cardinal precepts of Jainism, Ahimsā or Non-killing, Satya or Truthfulness, Asteya or Non-stealing, Brahmacharya or Celibacy, and Aparigraha, which means freedom from greed, are the same as those in which the Hindus themselves believe. He explained that the general principles underlying all great religions are the same, and that Jainism does not teach anything repugnant to the religious susceptibility of the Hindus or the people of any other faith, nor does it teach anything subversive. The fundamental unity of all great religions was thus made apparent. He concluded by saying that a true brotherhood of religions can only be secured by members of each recognizing and honouring the truths contained in other faiths. The Pandits listened most attentively and sympathetically to the exposition of his faith, and eventually came to recognize that it also was a great religion, and, in matters essential, was not really alien from Hinduism. The Mahārāja was so much pleased with the simplicity, eloquence and learning of the Monk that henceforth he regarded him as a great acquisition to his State ; and from that day he began to take a keen interest in the Pāthashālā and encouraged its growth by all sympathetic means.