World Problems And Jain Ethics

Author(s): Beni Prasad
Publisher: Beni Prasad

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is the inner core of the third Anuvrata styled grà or . Literally, it only means absti nence from stealing; but the underlying spirit of it is that one should not encroach on the rights of others but should always keep the social interest in view.
It is not necessary here to discuss the philosophy of rights () but it may be pointed out that rights are those social conditions which are necessary or favourable to the development of personality. The rights, that is to say, the right conditions of social life are to be enjoyed by all. They are to be enjoyed in common. Rights cannot be a purely individual affair, they are essentially cooperative. By dint of co-operation they are brought into being, by dint of co-operation they are sustained. If the conditions of right living are to be maintained for all, every one has not only himself but also has to expect them for SO to act as not to hamper their enjoyment Nay more, every one by others. positively encourage such condition for all. What is a right in regard to oneself is a duty in regard to others. Rights and duties are thus interdependent. They are two aspects of the same thing. If one looks at them from one's own standpoint of others, they are duties. Both are social and both are, in substance, conditions of right living to be secured to all members of society. It is fntile to consider whether rights are prior to
should