Give Respect, Take Respect – The Eternal Principle
“In this vast world, words may be few, but their meanings are infinite.”
This video may only be 15 minutes long, but the wisdom and joy within it are infinite and everlasting.
🌱 Episode 2 – The Fundamental Principles of Jainism
Across the world, great universities conduct research to answer one question:
How can a person live a happy life?
Because only a happy individual contributes positively to society. A person in sorrow cannot uplift the world. And what is the root cause of sorrow in the world? Ego.
Even the wealthiest suffer—not because of lack of money, but because of inflated ego. Modern research confirms this: ego is the barrier to happiness.
But Jainism teaches something different. Something transformative.
🕊️ The Root of Jainism: Vinay (Humility)
From Lord Mahavir (22,000 years ago), back to Lord Parshvanath, and even earlier to Lord Neminath, Jain tradition flows uninterrupted.
A disciple once asked the wise Thavarchaputra:
“What is the fundamental principle of Jainism that brings happiness to all?”
He replied:
“Vinay” – Humility.
Give respect, take respect.
That’s why, across the globe—whether on airplanes, in restaurants in Europe, or corners of Asia—you’ll find Jain food.
You won’t see “Hindu food” or “Muslim food” on menus, but you will find “Jain food.”
Why?
Because Jains give respect to all—and thus, receive respect from all.
🧘 A Parable on Respect and Learning
Two students learned astrology from a great Guru for eight years. On their way home, they met an old village woman drawing water from a well.
She was waiting for her son, returning home after many years. As she drew water, her pot cracked, and water spilled back into the well.
One student mocked her:
“Looks like your son will die on the road today.”
The other said kindly:
“Don’t worry, mother. You will surely see your son today.”
Shocked and disturbed by the first comment, she rushed home—only to be relieved to find her son safe and sound.
Later, she returned to the well and rebuked the boys:
“Is this what your Guru taught you? One of you cursed my son, while the other gave me hope.”
When the boys returned to their Guru, the one who predicted the worst asked:
“Why did my prediction fail while his came true?”
The Guru replied:
“I taught you both the same way. But your heart was filled with ego and jealousy, while his was full of humility and respect. That made all the difference.”
🧭 Jain Philosophy: The Power of Five Respects
Jainism teaches us to respect five eternal forces that govern the universe. These are not man-made laws but truths built into the very fabric of existence:
- Time (Kaal):
- Time doesn’t wait.
- You don’t lack time—you lack a timetable.
- Respect Time.
- Nature (Prakriti):
- Nature gives everything its role—good and bad, rich and poor, light and dark.
- Everything has its place.
- Respect Nature.
- Universal Law (Niyati):
- The law of gravity applies to all. So do spiritual laws.
- What’s fixed is fixed.
- Respect the universal logic.
- Karma:
- Every soul experiences life based on their karmas.
- No one can escape their own actions.
- Respect Karma.
- Effort (Purusharth):
- Without effort, nothing can be achieved—even in a world full of resources.
- Respect your own efforts.
🧘♂️ The Final Message: Humility is Liberation
Whether you succeed or fail—it’s not because of others. It’s your karma, your actions, and your attitude.
Blaming others is a form of ego. Accepting full responsibility for your life is true humility.
Jainism doesn’t say “God runs the universe.” Instead, it teaches:
“The universe functions based on eternal principles—and every soul has the potential to become God.”
Vinay (humility) is the path to liberation.
Respect these five forces, and the universe opens up to you.
🔔 Coming Next:
The History of Jainism – Origins and Legacy