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10 PART V
GUIDELINES TO MAHAVIR-DARSHAN
The sacred books say that on the day when the Blessed Lord Bhaghvan Mahavira renounced the world. He distributed His great wealth among the needy and the indigent. The Bhudana and the Sampattidana movements launched and conducted by Acharya Vinoba Bhave go a long way to solve the economic difficulties. "Live and let live," is the formula offered by Jainism. Ksheman sarvaprajanam, "May all people be happy, "is the daily prayer of the Jainas.
Diseases: It is the opinion of the common people that in proportion to advancement of civilization and the new methods of living, the number of diseases also has increased. No doubt scientific research has eliminated the threat of death from infectious diseases. But still there are instances of cases which baffle even expert medical men. And the treatment of some of the diseases is so costly that it is beyond the reach of the common man. Aushadha-dana, gift of medicine, is one of the charities, which a Jaina householder is asked to give in order to provide relief to the sick.
Over-population: The rapid growth of population is a great problem for the leaders of all nations. In India, too, the population has considerably increased during the last decade. Several devices are suggested and advices given to check the growth. Birth-control clinics have been started in many places and the people are advised to use appliances. But any attempt to go against Nature is not only injurious to health but also sinful. Therefore, Jainism advises the practice of celibacy (Brahmacharya) as the only non-injurious method to control birth. It helps men and women to keep their bodies healthy and strong and makes them pure and edifying.
Atom Bombs: With the advancement of scientific research, many marvellous things have been invented for the convenience, comfort and enjoyment of man. The use of steam and electricity, telegraph and telephone and improved methods of printing have revolutionised modern life. Through radio and television, man sitting at his desk can hear the voices of people at distant places and see visions of events happening far away from him. Science has contributed to the develop. ment of industry and agriculture on a very large scale. Automobiles. steamships and aeroplanes enable the speedy movement of men and goods. Time and distances have been conquered. But side by side with
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