The Vision Of A New Society: Editors Note

I read about a discussion regarding the framing of a new Constitution of the world-Cooperation of the enlight­ened people of all nations of the world has been considered essential for reframing the Constitution. Vice-chancellors of Universities, professors, intellectuals, paint­ers, artistes, poets, musicians and others, who have achieved excellence in their fields would take part in that process. It is also proposed to involve the outstanding writers, novelists and others, along with Nobel laureats. Success of democracy would be the most important goal before them. In the context of this problem, national representatives would be invited to the national seminars on the subject. It is also proposed to organise an international convention to discuss some points at the international level. Under this scheme, the intellectuals of the world would decide the future of mankind. It can be said that the new Constitution would be the constitu­tion based on humaneness.

However, the idea of framing the Constitution on the basis of humaneness with the global man in mind is very fascinating to hear and read. But it is extremely difficult to give it a practical shape. It is a person's infatuation with comforts and consumerism as well as his selfish mentality that make this a very complicated affair. So long as this deluded disposition persists, any resolve to do something keeping humanness in the centre cannot bear fruit. We have to seriously consider one particular point in this context: A Constitution has been framed for the successful functioning of democracy. A new Constitu­tion also can be framed, but is there something like the rule of life? Is there something like a style of living mandatory for at all? This is the most vital question. Very few attempts are being made to give any serious thought to it and translate it into action.

Some people are indulging in imagining new things keeping in view the 21st century. There is not much time left for the start of the 21st century. Just three years are left. It would not be irrelevant to think in terms of the 21st century even with regard to the Five Year Plans. But why so much neglect of the preset in the name of tomorrow or the 21st century? What are the aspirations of the man or the woman of today? What needs to be done to fulfil those aspirations? It is not proper to ignore this question too. That is why it appears necessary to discuss the present style of living and chalk out the new style of living.

Each country has its own philosophy. Based on it only political,social or religious affairs go on. Indian philosophy had as its basis concepts of renunciation, self love, self-restraint, courage, fortitude, modesty, compas­sion, cooperation etc. in abundant measure. The Indian style of living was also completely soaked in these basic concepts. In India, the style of living was also completely soaked in these basic concepts. Here in India, renuncia­tion was always considered superior to gratification. The great rulers bowed at the feet of the sages who had renounced the world. Streams of love flowed in the life of the people. Not only when one's own people were concerned, goodwill and hospitality was shown also towards the strangers. There was no dearth of wealth among the people of India. But those who lived their lives with self-restraint were held in high esteem. Indian history has attained glory with the mention of the tales of valour of our heroic people. But there was no courage of kidnappings and killings like in the present times. There was fear of terrorism too. Forbearance, modesty, compassion, etc. were the positive feelings which filled life with solemnity, ease and enthusiasm. Because of the prevalence of the feeling of cooperation, people felt closeness and intimacy amongst themselves.

Bhagwan Mahavira with his life wedded to spiritual philosophy, is the ideal for Indian people. It is true that not all people can lead a life like him. But he had advocated certain values of life and norms of ideal character in order to keep life of the householder healthy and worthy of praise. If those ideals had been assimilated in life, man's life would not have been so difficult. But they were somehow forgotten. Attempts have been made and are still being made from time to time to relate those ideals to life. Ganadhipati Gurudev Shri Tulsi, the pioneer of anuvrat movement, is the strong upholder of those ideals. He has been working for nearly half a century to establish values that are meant to raise the standards of morality and character. Among his constructive activities, programme of Anuvrat occupies a focal point. With the anuvrat programme as his main plank, he undertook long padayatras in far flung regions. Personal contacts, talks, discourses, giving training and writing are part of his major activities. The bulk of his works written in Hindi dealing with moral values and character is probably incomparable. THE VISION OF A NEW SOCIETY is one more addition to the series of his book on this subject.

Is it possible to develop any new style of living on the basis of Mahavira's philosophy? THE VISION OF A NEW SOCIETY provides an answer to this question.

It is believed that Bhagwan Mahavira promulgated a religion and pursued the path of moksha and he had made theoretical contribution to economics. THE VISION OF A NEW SOCIETY provides a new direction to this kind of thinking.

This book, deals with the ideas concerning essen­tially anuvrat, prakashadhyan, jeevanvijan and Mahavira's economics. The material of this book has been put together under 40 headings in the form of the topics emanating from these four main subjects. The entire material has been divided into four sections. There are 15 articles about anuvrat 11 articles about prekshadhyan, 6 articles about jeevanvijnan and 8 articles on Mahavira's ideas on economics. The articles in these four sections can inspire one to live a life of devotion to Truth and to the values of high character. It is easy to feel inspired to be truthful, but instilling that sense into one's life is extremely difficult. Triumph of Truth in the field of sadhana is beyond doubt. But only after a thorough test one's truthfulness is tested in practical life. The last article in this collection is "Truth Alone Triumphs" which, brings one face to face with this point. Whatever is said in the form of the concluding remark always leaves a stronger impression on one's mind. That is exactly why this article has been placed at the end. By way of summing up, it can be said that this provides a complete guidance to those who desire to live a healthy life in the light of Mahavira's philosophy. The readers would not get the impression that this book has been written only for the people belonging to any particular class or country. Its universal appeal is the justification for writing this book, compiling and publishing it.

Ladnun May 1, 1996

Sadhvipramukha Kanakprabha