Jainism The Cosmic Vision

SR No.: 006587
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: UK Mahavir Foundation London
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 276
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 12 MB

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Jainism: The Cosmic Vision
severe drought conditions. A large number of living species have already been destroyed and extinct, while a few others are on way to annihilation, it is necessary to pay attention to what the Jain religion says. The Jain monks do not eat green or fresh vegetables on particular days. This shows how the Jain monks are deeply wedded to ecological balance.
Truth has been given a significant and a unique place in the Jain philosophy. It enjoys the second most important position as a vow. The Prashna Vyakaran says, 'Truth is God.' The Acharang sutra says, 'One who stands solidly for truth in his life will conquer even death.' This is experienced by man within himself. The entire life of Mahavira is a testimony of his rich experiences. He tells his disciples that they need not consider him the most knowlegeable person in the world. Anyone, who accomplishes his objectives, can attain the highest position of knowledge. Even Bhagwan Mahavira himself had attained the highest position after he had passed through a cycle of 27 lives and also twelve and half years of penance.
What more can be said of a person who has been wedded to truth? Even fire cannot burn him, nor can waterpools drown him.
The Jain philosophy has extensively thought of truth and righteousness in human life. 'What I pronounce is the truth' has never been its approach. When one takes such an extreme, sectarian and rigid attitude, it is transformed into one kind of violence. It has a broad-based attitude in which it is conceded that there can be an element of truth even in what others have to say. Ultimately, truth is relative. What you visualise as truth may carry your own conviction. Similarly, what others visualise as truth may be allowed to carry their convictions. such a broad
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