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The Eternal Message of Jaina Wisdom 3
Positive aspect of Non-violence
The positive side of non-violence is as important as the negative side, but it is sometimes not fully appreciated. The positive aspect implies forgiveness, kindness, charity and service. The renowned Acārya Amitagati has beautifully explained this in
a verse:
satveṣu maitri guņisu pramodam/ klisteṣu jiveṣu kṛpāparatvam //
mādhyasthabhāvam viparītavṛttou/ sadā mamātmā vidadhātu deva Il
i.e., friendship towards all beings, respect for the qualities of virtuous people, utmost compassion for the afflicted beings and equanimity towards those who are not well disposed towards me - may my soul have these dispositions for ever.
The other Vows
All the other vows preached in Jainism are only an extension of the vow of non-violence. Truthfulness is essential to keep order and harmony in society. There are moments in life when one has to work hard to keep up one's convictions. In business and in our day-to-day dealings our truthfulness put to test. We have to practise it constantly to maintain our integrity. While observing the vow of non-stealing, one is required to earn his livelihood by honest means. We violate the vow of Aparigraha by accepting and holding what is not needed by us. What we possess in surplus has to go to those who need it badly. The principle of continence is significant in maintaining the morals in society.
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