मानवीय एकता; शांति और सामंजस्य : जैन दृष्टि
Summary
The text examines whether any single religion can address the challenges of the modern age, arguing that true religion must be distinguished from false religion. It asserts that authentic religion never supports violence, intolerance, or bigotry, and cannot be held responsible for hateful acts committed by those who exploit religion for selfish interests. The document identifies religious fanaticism and intolerance as critical global problems, noting that while technological progress has brought people closer, heart distances have grown due to mutual enmity. It warns that the blind race for nuclear weapons is preparing humanity's destruction, echoing Rabindranath Tagore's view that neglecting human values while coming closer is a form of suicide. The only solution proposed is developing mutual cooperation and coexistence values, with religious tolerance and friendship between faiths being the primary need. The text emphasizes that humanity is the common thread connecting all people despite differences in faith, culture, and philosophy. It argues that true religion aims for eternal peace and harmony, and that wars fought in religion's name are the fault of so-called religious people, not religion itself. Jain teachings are presented as exemplary, with non-violence and equanimity as core principles. The document stresses that being human is the primary identity, with religious labels being secondary. It defines humanity as the presence of self-awareness, discretion, and self-control in behavior, paralleling Jainism's three jewels: right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. The text advocates for unity in diversity, rejecting absolute monism and pluralism, and emphasizes mutual cooperation as the fundamental law of life, citing the Tattvartha Sutra's principle that living beings support each other.
Conclusion
The document concludes that no single religion can address the challenges of the modern era alone; instead, the path forward lies in recognizing the fundamental unity of all faiths through the core principle of humanity. The text argues that true religion is defined by non-violence, tolerance, and mutual respect, while religious extremism and intolerance are distortions caused by selfish individuals. The key implication is that humanity must prioritize its shared identity over superficial differences of creed, color, or culture. The outcome advocated is a global shift towards interfaith friendship, mutual cooperation, and coexistence, grounded in the Jain principles of *anekantavada* (many-sidedness) and *parasparopagraho jivanam* (mutual support). Ultimately, the document asserts that embracing our common humanity is the only viable solution to prevent self-destruction and foster global peace and harmony.