What Jainism Offers To The World

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "What Jainism Offers to the World" by C.S. Mallinathanan:

The book argues that Jainism provides relevant solutions to several critical problems facing the modern world, including social inequalities, economic difficulties, diseases, over-population, and the threat of atomic warfare. The author emphasizes that these solutions require earnest application of Jain teachings in practice.

Social Inequalities: Jainism advocates for the fundamental principle that "All humanity is one." It rejects prejudice based on color, race, or nationality, asserting that these divisions are transient and that the entire human race constitutes a single family.

Economic Difficulties: Jainism addresses economic disparities by promoting the concept of limiting one's acquisition of property. Individuals are encouraged to fix a limit to their wealth accumulation and then dedicate their time to public welfare. Professionals are advised to retire once they reach these limits to allow opportunities for others. Practices like Dig-vrata (limiting one's activities within prescribed directions) and Desá-vrata (limiting activities within certain boundaries of a country) are seen as contributing to mitigating economic difficulties. Jainism stresses the importance of abhaya-dāna (the gift of fearlessness) by providing basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing to the needy. The text references Lord Mahavira distributing his wealth and commends movements like Bhūdāna and Sampattidāna as practical applications of Jain principles. The core message is "Live and let live," and the daily prayer of Jainas is "may all people be happy" (Kseman sarvaprajānāṁ).

Diseases: While acknowledging scientific advancements in medicine, the text notes that new lifestyles have also led to an increase in diseases, some of which remain difficult and costly to treat. Jainism offers Auṣadha-dāna (the gift of medicine) as a charitable act for householders to provide relief to the sick.

Over-population: Jainism proposes a non-injurious method for population control through the practice of Brahmacarya (celibacy). This practice is believed to promote physical health, strength, purity, and character development.

Atom Bombs and World Peace: The text highlights the destructive potential of scientific advancements, particularly atomic weapons, quoting a scientist who warns of an existential crisis for civilization due to the threat of war. Jainism offers a solution by emphasizing the supreme value of the soul (ātman) and knowledge, which it considers identical. Lord Mahavira's teachings stress the protection and development of the soul, advocating for the welfare of all sentient beings. The author draws a parallel between the Jaina conception of soul and knowledge and Einstein's theory of matter and energy equivalence. The text quotes Jesus Christ's similar emphasis on the soul's value ("What shall it profit a man... if he loses his own soul?"). It urges people, especially those in nations manufacturing nuclear weapons, to consider the futility of material gains if the soul is lost. Ultimately, Jainism proposes that establishing world peace requires teaching the importance of the soul and the practice of Ahimsa (non-violence) universally. The author concludes by asserting that those who have lived among Jains find them to be kind and better people because of their religion, suggesting that religion, contrary to modern perceptions, plays a vital role in shaping character.