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ENUNCIATED IN JAINISM
bed to strengthen the vow of Ahiṁsā. Ahiṁsā is in actuality a positive virtue. It enjoins persons to entertain universal love and mercy towards all living beings in nine ways—abstaining from committing Himsā by oneself through mind, body and speech, abstaining from committing Hiṁsā through others by mind, body or speech and abstaining from encouraging the commission of Hiṁsā through mind, body and speech. In short Ahimsā should be observed in thought, word and deed, and Hiṁsā or violence be avoided through acting oneself, making the agent to act, and passively approving the commission of Hiṁsā done by others.
Passion is the major cause of violence. The existence of passion itself affects the purity of the soul or Ātman. Hence, the vow of Ahiṁsā naturally implies purity of thought, word and deed actuated by universal love and mercy. So far as a house-holder is concerned Himsā is committed either inevitably or intentionally and knowingly. It is committed inevitably in the performance of domestic work such as in preparing food, cleaning the house, constructing buildings, maintaining gardens and keeping cattle. Himsā is committed also in following one's profession in life such as agriculture, trade, industry and profession of a soldier or military man. Finally Hiṁsā is committed unavoidably in the defence of person or property against thieves, assassins, assailants, enemies and in the removal of aggression against religious groups and the nation.
Among examples of intentional Himsā or violence
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