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food and drink. Ahimsā does not mean merely a negative virtue of non-violence. Ahiṁsā is based upon the positive quality of universal love which is the result of a recognition of kinship among all living beings. One who is actuated by this ideal cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others. For all sorts of living beings pain is unpleasant, disagreeable and greatly feared. All creatures know pleasure and displeasure, pain, terror and sorrow. Recognizing the universality of such suffering, one should have compassion. The follower of the doctrine of Ahimsā is compassionate towards all living beings, entertains delight at the sight of beings more advanced than himself, is merciful to the afflicted and indifferent toward those who are perverted.
The law of Ahiṁsā has indescribable power if honestly and faithfully followed. Ahiṁsā Dharma or universal love to all living beings is the foundation of the Jains' divine life leading to the goal of liberation and self-realization. The great Jain thinkers have shown that love and compassion towards all creatures is the kernel of religion. Jainism also accepts the principle of Karma in the sense of cause and effect“Every good deed will bear its fruits to men, there is no escape from the effects of one's actions”. It is because of the principle of Karma, that Ahiṁsā produces positive results. Ahiṁsā alleviates quarrels and wars. Furthermore, Ahimsā enables the individual to free his soul from the bond of Karmic matter.
Hiṁsā (violence) and the lack of compassion are not the only causes of the bondage of souls and
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