ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 140

B.5.10
Spirituality and Organization excellence: Jain view
Dr. Shugan C. Jain
Status Rampant erosion of our environment and natural resources, 'Wall Street greed', rising unemployment, holding Summit for reducing global warming and rising prices of commodities and raw materials etc. corruption, violence in the form of exploitation, terrorism, wars; religious fanaticism, political and economic ideologies all around are serious challenges facing the people of the world. Symptoms of these are the demonstrations all over the world against It seems the old model of development based on increasing demand taking availability of infinite natural resources has to give way to a new society and a new world where optimizing the welfare of all living beings including environment and natural resources; are emphasized. It is here that Mahāvīra's philosophy of ethico-spiritual development claimed as Sarvodaya Tirtha (philosophy for the enlightenment of all) offer a possible basis for developing a new society aiming at the wellness of all.
Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India and perhaps the world. Jains form the smallest (4.2 million out of a total population of 1.10 billion in India), non violent, highly educated and successful community of India. Beyond India's borders, there are over 150,000 Jains engaged in knowledge based professions and businesses (USA, Europe, Africa and elsewhere). Mahāvīra is the latest ford-makerof Jains who is a senior contemporary of Buddha. His doctrines of Non violence(Ahimsā) in thought, speech and action, Multiplicity of viewpoints (Anekānta) in thoughts and limiting possessions (Aparigraha) as life style, the three pillars (AAA) of Jain way of life, as the principles to affect the change to bring a new order visualized globally.
Before I go further it is important to briefly review these and some of the other metaphysical aspects of Mahāvīra's doctrine:
All living beings are equal and have the potential to attain their highest goal. Definition of living beings included not only human beings but animals, birds, plant/water/air/earth and fire
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
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