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LESSON XV
WHAT JAINISM OFFERS TO THE WORLD
We live in a world of social inequalities, economic difficulties, multifarious diseases, over-population and atomic bombs. Can Jainism offer any solution for the above problems? Yes. It can and it does offer. But one has to follow and apply its teaching in actual practice as an earnest patient would follow the prescriptions of his doctor.
Social inequalities: It is really regrettable that even in the civilised countries of Europe, prejudice due to colour, race, or nationality still continues to exist and keeps the people divided amongst themselves. Experience teaches that colour or racial arrogance cannot continue to exist long. Humanity has to be told again and again that the entire human race is but one family irrespective of differences due to colour, race or nationality, "All humanity is one, " is one of the fundamental teachings that Jainism offers.
Economic difficulties: Whatever might be the economic conditions obtaining in other countries, the economic position in India is still far from satisfactory. Some people in India are still starving. Thousands of men, women and children are found suffering from heat and cold, completely exposed to changing conditions of weather without prope. shelter and sufficient clothing. The Haves must come to the rescue and protection of the Havenots. Jainism enjoins that every man must put a limit to the acquisition of property and then entirely devote his time for public good. People engaged in independent professions such as lawyers, doctors, merchants, engineers, etc. must retire when they reach the limits fixed for them and thus give room for others to earn. Dig-vrata and Desha-Vrata, limiting one's activities, within certain prescribed directions and within certain boundaries in a country and abstaining from the use of things got from beyond the limits or sending to such places, also contribute in a way to mitigate economic difficulties. It is expected of every wellto-do person to give ABHAYADANA, the gift of fearlessness to all those who are afflicted with fear as to, "What shall we eat, where shall we stay, and with what shall we cover ourselves?"
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