Spirituality, spiritual way of living and universal human values like compassion, tolerance, peace, universal brotherhood etc., are decreasing due to the ever-increasing, multi-farious, dreadful, dangerous complexities of the modern world that is predominantly materialistic. The great advancements made in the field of science and technology encompass all aspects of modern living, be it education, medicine, entertainment, travel, communication, etc., and above all, our day to day life style.
All these advancements have not come without a price. We face grave consequences of our anthropocentric and materialistic attitude and lifestyle which is fast deteriorating the environment. In this race for material progress, man has become insensitive to the sufferings of others and has caused all kinds of problems at all levels. As the world faces multi-dimensional challenges such as global warming, climate change, environmental degradation, species extinction, poverty, ethnic conflicts, etc at the global level; corruption, communal riots, disharmony, divisive politics, etc at the national level, unemployment, suicidal tendencies, growing materialistic culture, etc at the social level and ignorance, intolerance, lack of values, etc at the personal level – all these go to disturb the unity of mankind and at most times, religion is blamed for all the external and internal conflicts.
The problem today is not of guided missiles but of misguided men who use religion for promoting violence and terror. Life today is more stressful, audacious, diseased, harmful and impulsive than ever before. In search for happiness, we are distorting the very fabric of life and life forms. Non-violence, honesty, equanimity, mutual-co existence, stress-free and disease-free life, devotion, repentance, respect for all, tolerance etc., seem to be mere ideals today.
At this crucial juncture it is important to understand the significance of ancient wisdom. Our ancestors did not have access to the technology we have today, but they surely led a more peaceful and stress-free life. They were not connected to the vast world through media, internet, face- book, etc., but the inner connectivity was vibrant and they led a more meaningful and harmless life. They were guided by inner wisdom which enabled them to lead a compassionate life style and not a destructive one. They were aware that all life is inter-connected. The sound system of ethics grounded in sound metaphysics inspired them to be non-violent, contented, respectful and spiritual. They did not live in a state of illusion that mere material progress alone can make mankind happy. The spiritual aspect, which held a foremost place in the ancient world, is relegated to an insignificant position today. Hence the problem of improving human nature is no doubt the most baffling of all modern problems.
In this context, let us thoroughly analyze the vision of the Tirthankaras, Arihantas, Jinas – the gods of Jains who have given the universal message of spirituality and rightful living. They are the enlightened, pure souls who have become blemishless by conquering perversion, passions, delusion and ignorance.
They are the omniscients who have revealed the right way of living and the everlasting nature of bliss experienced in emancipation.
The Acharyas, Upadhyayas and Siddhas follow the path of right living, of self- realization, self-purification, self-conquer in order to be liberated like the Jinas and the dharma preached by them is that of non-violence, self-restraint and austerity. Dr. Vastupal Parekh remarks, “Right from its inception and certainly since its revival in 600 BCE by Mahavira, Jainism has championed an all-inclusive spirituality.
Although development of human potential is its main concern, welfare of all living forms is as important.