World Of Jainism

Author(s): Vishwanath Pandey
Publisher: Vishwanath Pandey

Page 54

THE ORIENT
Sramana culture was not limited to the Jainas and Buddhists it had universal appeal.
The basic foundations of the Jaina Sramana culture are nonviolence or Ahimsa and equality or Samata. If we go deep into the nature of our life and its problems, then we find that it is because of the absence of these two virtues that there are struggles and strifes. The practice of equality and non-violence, the twin principles of Sramana culture, can ensure the peace and progress of humanity. Besides, there are egoism, craving and dogmatism which also cause immense suffering to man. They are causes of individual suffering and mass destruction. The glowing examples are the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagashaki. It is the curbing of all these ills that can ensure freedom from suffering. This is exactly what Bhagwan Mahavira tried to do. He was not the first Tirthankara of the Jainas nor is he the last. There were many before him and there would be many after him. His religion is universal and is not meant only for a particular individual or community. It is that all. embracing universal religion which can, if practised, bring peace and progress to entire humanity.