________________
44: Applied Philosophy of Jainism and Samyak-cāritra (right conduct) respectively, which also constitute the path of liberation.33 The presence of these three makes a being perfect human being. Fellowship means Unity in Diversity Jaina thinkers assert that unity implies diversity. For them unity and diversity are the two facets of the same reality. Reality itself is unity in diversity. Absolute unity i.e. monism and absolute diversity i.e. pluralism, both of the theories are not agreeable to Jainas. From the generic viewpoint (niscaya-naya) reality is one, but when viewed from modal viewpoint (vyavahāra-naya), it is many. Once a question was asked to Lord Mahāvīra, O Lord! 'Whether you are one or many'? To this, Mahāvīra replied, “from substantial viewpoint I am one, but if viewed from changing conditions of mind and body, I am different each moment and thus many. In fact, unity in diversity is the law of nature. Nature everywhere is one, but there is diversity in it, as the natural phenomena differs from each other, so is the case with human beings also. Though all the human beings have some common characteristics and features, yet every individual being different from others has some specific qualities. It is also true about religions. All the religions have some common characteristics sharing with others as well as specific qualities of their own. Universal virtues such as non-violence, friendliness, service to the needy, truthfulness, honesty, control over senses, etc. are commonly shared by all the religions of the world. Unfortunately, at present, these common universal virtues, which are the essence of religious practices, have been ignored and external rituals, which are divergent in their nature, have become more important. Thus we have forgotten the essential unity of all the religions and are stressing on their diversities. Though I am emphasizing the essential unity of all the religions, this does not mean that I am supporter of one world-religion or undermining the specialties and diversities of them. What I intend to say is that the absolute unity and absolute diversity, both are illusory concepts and fellowship of faith means unity in diversity.
