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The message of Jainism is a message for human survival-survival with dignity. It is an answer to man's search for eternal truth and eternal bliss.
As we move into the next century, we will see more and more scientific discoverics taking place. But science which includes matter and not mind is not a true science. If we think that matter can only be explained by science and mind, soul or consciousness as the subject of religion, then science and religion will always stay apart. But this should not be the case. By linking the philosophies of matter and soul, by linking science and religion we would not only understand human nature but we would find a proper and considered answer which will bring about inner light.
Scientists like Albert Einstein and philosophers like Bertrand Russell or Krishnamoorti or Carl Jung have tried to discover this inner light. Our great philosophers and enlightened souls like Gautam Buddha and Mahavir had seen that inner light and had preached the way to discover it. Buddha left his royal household in search of an answer to the end of the suffering of mankind. Mahavir similarly left his kingdom behind to achieve true salvation. Mahavir too gave a message of love and kindness. However, Mahavir said that all species on this globe are interdependent and one's welfare depends on the welfare of another (Tattvartha Sutra 5/21 Parasparopgraho jivanam) He said trees, plants and vegetation are also living beings. Our love should be boundless and should reach every corner of the earth. The key to this love is through the observance of goodness and goodness in everyone. Let the life energy be love energy. Let us accept and recognise that all cognisible and noncognisible living entities have the right to existence.
Bhagvan Mahavir preached the principles of Jainism as we know them now. He said...Everyone wants pleasure and happiness, no one wants misery but those who are ignorant and attached to worldly pleasure suffer again and again. One who knows other people's misery does not pursue worldly pleasures and avoids sinful acts. Those who can avoid the bondage of sinful acts can obtain liberation. His messge is simple "No one should try to obtain happiness at the expense of others". Mahavir recognised this fact (or rather he was the first one in human history to say) that plants have life and that they feel pain when cut.
He said- O Man! The one you are thinking of killing is no one but yourself. The one you are thinking of putting in misery is yoruself... With this sort of understanding you will have equality with all living beings. '(Acharanga Sutra)
This was his message of living in harmony with nature, all birds, animals and fellow human
beings.
Jains also say that it is the benefit of all mankind to be vegetarian. Vegetarianism is an ethic for ecology and physical and mental health.
Jainism is a path which leads one to achieve freedom from the shackles of attachment and aversion. Jain scholars have always maintained that attachment to worldly things is the cause of karma bondage. This path explains and shows the way of true freedom and this is why it is a way of life, an ideology which transcends arguments and logic- an ideology which makes sense.
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