Book Title: World Jain Conference 1987 4th Conference
Author(s): Satish Jain, Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Ahimsa International

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Page 194
________________ where one belongs or who one belongs to. Such confusion is a frequent symptom in delinquent young people. Pervasive pessimissim is there all around, because the time is out of joint and because all coherence is gone. There is both an internal and external pollution with nervous breakdown and hysterical paralysis of mind and body. It is painfully disparaging to note, that at the present rate of growth of psycho and sociopaths, USA will require more asylums than schools after a decade or so. Therefore, the cogent question is whether there is any way out of this predicament? Can mental and physical equilibrium be restored and psychology of faith revived and regenerated? This is the crux of the problem and herein. lies its solution too. It is my considered opinion that Jainism bears the inner and outer strength and potentiality to cure these evils and maladies that have besieged our present life. This moral degradation can only be stopped if we reimbibe and reinculcate collective goodness and moral values. Science has brought us close to a dangerous precipice. Man is lost in the mire of egoistic fulfilment with an insatiable thirst for material prosperity and acquisitive individual hedonism. Einstein realised it and maintained "it is my firm belief that the problem of bringing peace (and harmony) to the world on a supernational basis will be solved by employing Mahatma Gandhi's method of Non-violence on a large scale." Victor F. Weiskoff too corroborates this when he says-important parts of human experience cannot be evaluated with the scientific system.' To a man fuddled with vanity and sanguinary battles for power over others, principles of Non-violence (in thought, word and deed) Truth, Non-Possession (Aparigraha), Chastity (Brahmacharya) and Honesty (in means and end) are universal panacea. Must cease the vices that pander to the selfish and supercilious demeanour. Apart from its philosophical, psycho-spiritual and metaphysical depth, Jainism provides an all-time moral values with a perennial ethical import. It is a religion, a creed and a conviction, whose success lies in a state of internal and external, mental and physical discipline with principles of good behaviour and high morality for individual as.well as for society. It bears an intrinsic as well as instrumental value for the entire mankind. Let us consider some of the concepts and precepts of Lord Mahavir. He said 'Desist Ye from sin at once, for transient is the life of men. Those, who are engrossed here and given to pleasures (and to salacious thoughts) for want of control will be deluded. Further, 'He who for his own gain and pleasure, hurteth others and stealth their property will come to grief in the end. Then again, 'Anger killeth love, conceit humility, deceit amity and lust everything." He preached equality (Samata) and regarded Truthfulness as the highest virtue. Every man his own steward, captain and master of the soul. God'. Oh Man! 'You are your friend. For a good In him lies 'the Kingdom of social conduct and character 86 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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