जैनधर्म और प्रजातान्त्रिक जीवन

Summary

The article examines the democratic system as described in Jain literature and the Jain life values adopted by its proponents. It defines democracy as power of the people, by the people, and notes that the modern world considers the democratic way of life supreme. The text traces the ancient origins of democratic practices, referencing the tradition of republics (ganarajyas) described in ancient texts. According to Jain belief, the world is beginningless and endless, with cycles of rise and fall. Initially, there was no social organization before the system of Kulakaras. People lived as pairs (yugalika), sustaining themselves from wish-fulfilling trees (kalpavrikshas), living peaceful, sorrow-free lives without theft or violence. As population grew and resources became scarce, conflict arose, leading to organization into clans (kula) headed by a Kulakara, who protected the clans and made rules. The text lists seven Kulakaras from Jain Agamas and fourteen from Acharya Jinasena’s Adipurana. Over time, as the system deteriorated, the people approached Rishabhadeva, who advised them to ask King Nabhiraja for a ruler. Following Nabhiraja’s command, the people declared Rishabhadeva their first king, marking the transition from the Kulakara system to a monarchy initiated by the people. The article cites Vedic texts like the Atharvaveda to support the existence of democratic elements, such as the election of kings. It argues that despite being a monarchy, the system was democratic in practice because the king was chosen by the people and ruled for their welfare. The text then elaborates on six key Jain values essential for democratic governance: aparigraha (non-possessiveness), ahimsa (non-violence), secularism (dharma nirapekshata), freedom from caste discrimination, karmavada (the doctrine of karma), and women’s empowerment. It concludes that adopting the Jain democratic lifestyle can strengthen the democratic system, emphasizing values like abstaining from addictions for a