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WORLD PROBLEMS AND JAIN ETHICS.
The Scope of Religion. . The term religion has been defined in various ways, but psychologically it may be said to represent an adaptation, at once extensive and intensive, to the totality of the universe and to whatever spiritual principle may underlie it. Accordingly, on the one hand it comprises a view of life and matter in their wholeness and inter-relationship, and on the other hand covers in broad outline the modes and associa: tions through which man finds expression and selfrealisation. So far as this last aspect is concerned, it is worth while to enquire how religion incorporates those principles which the growing experience of the human race seems to establish as calculated to secure universal welfare. In other words, how far does it embody the permanent elements of social justice, welfare and happiness?
Jain Ethics. From the social point of view, then, we may briefly review the ethical code of Jainism. Briefly, it begins with five Anuvratas or little-vows-(1) Non-violence (H T), (2) Truthfulness (ACT), (3) Honesty ( ta), (4) Continence ( neu ), (5) Stoicism ( frage ). It will take too long to expound all these Vratas, Anuvratas, Gunavratas and Shikshavratas and the features ( agru ) of Dharma. But it may be permitted
Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Surat
www.umaragyanbhandar.com
