Epitome Of Jainism: Religious Tolerance

Religion is one, thoughts are many. Religion is truth, but its definitions are numerous. Each and every philosopher has defined truth in his own way. Even though Truth cannot be split, it assumes numerous forms according to its realization. Even among these numerous forms, there is identity, which binds all in its fold.

Jainism aims at unity in diversity. Religion is not what we think, but what we practice.

All the religions of the world have been explained in detail with regard to the truth, experienced by their sages from a particular angle. These angles have been the cause for the generation of different philosophies and sects. It can be said that all the religions have expounded truth from one particular standpoint.

Jainism, as a whole imbibes all the different truths and lists them in totality. It says, ‘Any truth expressed with an absolute view, is a part thereof and not the whole. If we desire to arrive at the whole truth, all the parts should receive due consideration and be explained clearly with regard to the respective states and basis on which they stand.’

Jainism is a synthesis of all these half- truths. This approach is scientific, as well as rational. No religion in this world is capable of claiming to have imbibed and explained truth in totality. We must respect all the religions so far as the manifestation of truth is concerned.

This university of thought is the pivot of Jain Ethics. Under its panoply all the tenets have been listed and so they all retain their universal application.

Truth cannot be monopolized. It is one and the whole. To assert that we alone have truth and all others are in the bewilderment of arguments is just like saying, ‘We alone have light, all others are groping in darkness.’ Light makes no distinction whatsoever. It manifests itself in the deserving. One who owns light is enlightened to the intensity and velocity of the power generated by that light. In accordance with it, wisdom and intellect enhance and are able to comprehend truth and realize it face to face.

Tolerance of difference in religions can only be created by considering them as truths, revealed from particular angles. If this truth is imbibed and adhered to, all the diversities will disappear. This will lead to the appreciation of the others’ views which will result in the unity of thoughts and sects. When the temptation or desire of slandering each other is abandoned, all will be able to expound the others’ views with greater clarity, charity and force. This will create a harmonious atmosphere and a common platform where all the religions can get their due share of respect.

Religious people today are indulging in sniping and toppling each other by claiming their creed and thought to be the one and only who has realized truth and has manifested it. History is replete with awful events, which occurred in the name of religion. We are mindful of the fact that the religious creeds were formed for the propagation of peace and tranquillity. But due to the stubbornness, spite and ill-will of the so called religious teachers, sanguinary wars were fought, resulting in the carnage of millions in the hands of the so called religious people. Under the panoply of law and order, kings who were agnostic to particular religious sects, indulged in extreme forms of cruelty leading to the massacre of human beings in the same way as beasts are put to death in charnel houses. This cruelty speaks of their intolerance towards other religions.

The happiness and peace of mind mainly depends upon the equanimity of disposition, patience, forbearance and sympathy towards others. Plato has well said that in seeking the good of others, we find our own. If we desire to be religious in reality, we must have adaptability of nature and thought. The obstinate people can never attain truth. They circumambulate the truth but never reach it.

Religious tolerance is an outcome of self- control.

Intolerance is a master-vice because it is a product of so many other vices - hatred, jealousy, melancholy and spite.

Jainism is opposed to religious intolerance.

It pays due heed to each and every thought and considers it in a befitting manner.