Ourselves

Summary

The editorial titled “Ourselves” reflects on the unity underlying all religious traditions and stresses that prophets and seers across ages teach the same basic truths. It opens with a Gujarati verse reminding readers that seers have existed in the past, present and future and that their paths do not differ. The writer notes that religion, when misunderstood, has caused more strife and bloodshed than politics because some believers claim exclusive custody of truth and denounce others as imposters. In contrast, Jainism and other broad-minded traditions teach that no religion is false and that all prophets are guides leading to the same goal. The editorial identifies ignorance, attachment and aversion as the real enemies; these inner poisons bind the soul and generate karma. Citing the doctrine of self‑reliance, it emphasises that there is no creator God in Jainism: the universe is beginningless and governed by natural laws, so individuals alone are responsible for their spiritual liberation. The path of liberation therefore involves right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, culminating in the abandonment of passions and the practice of non‑violence and compassion. The piece warns against dogmatic belief and urges readers to cultivate tolerance, humility and respect for all traditions. It underscores that a true seer never proclaims that others are wrong; instead he points out the underlying unity of ethical teachings across religions. The editorial further explains that Jainism encourages self‑discipline, charity and service to all living beings and that only through inner purification can the soul attain its natural state of infinite knowledge, perception, bliss and power. In summarizing, “Ourselves” calls upon devotees to rise above sectarian labels, see the common threads of wisdom in different scriptures, and work to eradicate violence and hatred from society. It concludes that religions are diverse expressions of the same cosmic truth and that the genuine path to liberation is open to everyone who strives earnestly, irrespective of sect or creed. The piece also highlights ecological sensitivity, vegetarianism, study of karma theory and the need for social reform, showing that Jainism is not merely ritual but a comprehensive way of life oriented towards ethical purity, intellectual openness and universal goodwill.