Ahimsa the Science of Peace

SR No.: 001629
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Surendra Bothra
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2004
Total Pages: 228
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Ahimsa
File Size: 12 MB

Page 133

There appears to be a misconception, widely prevalent, that Jain philosophy is against compassion, philanthropy, benevolence, etc., although it is a philosophy based on Ahimsa. This misconception is due to the fact that people form their opinions based on superficial information acquired through dogmatic, sectarian misinterpretations.
It is true that there are sects of Jainism where deeds of philanthropy and feelings of compassion are considered undesirable and detrimental to the ultimate goal of liberation. But such interpretations should be taken as sectarian only and not as original and central part of Jainism. A proper study of the basic concepts should be done before forming any opinion based on scanty information.
Ahimsa is a concept that naturally encompasses all these feelings of compassion, philanthropy, benevolence, etc. One cannot be non-violent if he is bereft of these feelings. A person believing in and practicing Ahimsa has necessarily to be compassionate and benevolent. But at the same time, there is no need to advertise these feelings or their applications while subduing every other feeling or deed. Such singular amplification is prompted by exhibitionism and for the satisfaction of one's own desires, rather than from benevolence.
Jain philosophy is a complete way of life integrating all facets of the mundane as well as transcendental world, where each and every component has its own place and importance. Magnifying one particular aspect is no better than erasing another, as done by those sectarians who preach that positive feelings should be avoided.
In fact, even to condemn Jain Ahimsa, on the basis that importance has not been given to one particular aspect liked by some particular individual, would be a biased attitude. AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE 90