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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com)

 

Non-violence, cardinal principle of Jainism

 

CHENNAI, OCT. 19. Today, in the race for progress and growth, man

has forgotten the real purpose of his life. He knows much more

about the external world but very little about his own Self. His

existence is marked by conflicts. Even in advanced countries life

is not harmonious. Economic growth alone, as the yardstick for

measuring the standard of life to the exclusion of all other

values, has verily led to the destruction of human personality.

The question in this context therefore arises whether religion

can meet the need of our times and solve the problems of the

present-day humanity. Thinkers of one of the religions of India,

Jainism, have stated clearly that religion does not mean mere

rituals and dogmas. It has eternal values having validity for all

times to come. Propounded by Mahavira in the present era, it is

being practised by lakhs of followers even today.

 

In Jainism, religion is not different from the practice for the

realisation of our own essential nature. Its object is to achieve

equanimity of mind and enjoy real peace and bliss. It takes an

integral view of life. It states that man should have a

combination of right faith, right type of spiritual knowledge and

right conduct, to tread the path of salvation. These three are

the jewels of Jainism and proper observance of these will result

in enjoying peace within an individual and of the society.

Detachment from the objects of worldly pleasures, a balanced

state of mind and the feeling of equanimity are considered as

right faith or attitude and one who possesses them will know what

is to be accomplished and what is to be relinquished. Through

right knowledge, a person will understand the real nature of the

soul and of non-living substances. The cardinal principle of

Jainism is non-violence, said Sri Dulichand Jain in a lecture. It

means giving respect to all forms of life. Non-violence is the

pivot on which whole ethics revolves and it is a combination of

all virtues.

 

The positive side of non-violence implies kindness, forgiveness,

charity and service, explained in a verse by one of the renowned

Acharyas, Amitagati (11th century) as ``friendship towards all,

respect for the qualities of virtuous people, utmost compassion

for the afflicted beings and equanimity towards those who are not

well-disposed towards me.'' Mahavira had laid great stress on the

equality of all human beings. He had said that both men and women

were eligible to attain emancipation after destroying the

passions and karmas. All barriers of caste, creed and colour are

artificial and should go.

 

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