The Universal Message of Jainism
By Kalidas Nag
Summary
Dr. Kalidas Nag, an eminent Indologist and historian who passed away in 1966, was a profound admirer and scholar of Jainism. The article highlights his call for the formation of a "World Federation of Ahimsa," aiming to spread Jainism’s message of peace and non-violence across the globe. Jainism, though doctrinally distinct from other Hindu denominations, has significantly contributed to Indian culture and spiritual traditions. The Jain community has enriched fields like philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and literature, particularly in languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Hindi, and Marwari. Jainism, unlike religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, which engage in proselytism, takes a more inward, individual-focused approach to realizing truth and peace. The article underscores four essential vows in Jainism, which are: 1. Not to take life 2. Not to lie 3. Not to steal 4. Not to own property These vows, initially set by Parsvanath, were expanded by Mahavira, who added the vow of chastity. Jainism emphasizes personal discipline and the quest for truth through the individual, rather than relying on spiritual intermediaries. It upholds the soul’s ability to shape its happiness and misery, stressing self-responsibility over external divine intervention. Jainism’s uncompromising commitment to non-violence, or ahimsa, remains its core principle, standing out in contrast to religions that condone violence in certain contexts. The appeal for a global World Federation of Ahimsa reflects Nag's hope to foster peace during times of war and international conflict, suggesting Jainism’s peace-oriented teachings as a model for humanity. His proposal also includes the establishment of a World Peace Trust to promote peace research and education based on Jain principles. Key Themes: • Jainism’s unique contributions to Indian culture and global intellectual history. • Emphasis on individual responsibility, spiritual discipline, and non-violence. • Call for global peace initiatives rooted in Jain teachings, such as the World Federation of Ahimsa. • Advocacy for the philosophical and practical relevance of Jainism in addressing contemporary global challenges. This article was originally written in 1936, and although the socio-political situation has evolved, its message about peace and non-violence remains timeless.
Conclusion
Dr. Kalidas Nag's "The Universal Message of Jainism" emphasizes the timeless relevance of Jainism's core principles—non-violence, truth, and personal responsibility. Despite its doctrinal differences with other religions, Jainism’s contributions to Indian culture, intellectual history, and global peace are significant. Nag advocates for a World Federation of Ahimsa, calling on the global community, particularly the Jain community, to contribute to human welfare through the promotion of peace and non-violence. His vision for a peaceful world, grounded in Jain teachings, remains a noble and essential call for contemporary society, especially in the face of ongoing global conflicts.