Vratya Darshan

SR No.: 003131
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mangalpragyashreeji Samni
Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 262
Language: Sanskrit
Classification: Book_Devnagari & Philosophy
File Size: 10 MB

Page 244

but the wants of individuals are unlimited. There are inore consumers than material objects to be distributed among them and this is bound to give rise to conflicts. We should pay attention upon the use of the matter. Since material articles are limited, the consumers desires must be limited too. Limitation of marerial goods, limitation of the consumers desires and self-restraint in consumption are urgently required.
It is necessary in this age that we appreciate the value of the environment, non-violence and self-restraint. This issue should not be brushed aside as related to the religious world. In fact it is directly related to the whole of mankind, the animal world and even the mother earth itself. It is necessary to take appropriate action to resolve the problem of environmental imbalance and pollution. Only by adopting this approach can the curse of pollution be cast off. In this context, the maxim of Anuvrat is very significant 'Selfrestraint alone is life.'
The only solution to environmental degradation is self-restraint, according to Jain Philosophy. The Jain ecological philosophy is virtually synonymous with the principle of non-violence which runs through the Jain tradition like a golden thread.
Non-violence is the supreme religion. Ahimsa (non-violence) is a principle that Jain Philosophy teaches and practises not only towards human beings but towards nature also. The scriptures tell us 'All the arhatas (venerable ones) of past, present and future counsel and propound in unison : Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture or kill any creature or living being.
The teaching of Ahimsa refers not only to wars and visible physical acts of violence but also to violence in the hearts and minds of human beings. In the absence of violent thought there would be no violent action. When a feeling of violence enters our thoughts we must remember Tirthankara Mahavira's words :-'You are that which you intend to hit, injure, insult, torment, enslave or kill.' Mahavira also says, 'One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation, disregards his own existence which is entwined with them.'
The Jain scriptural aphorism, “All life is bound together by
व्रात्य दर्शन - २२५