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In doing so, the Jainas have called ahimsa as paramo dharmaḥ, or the highest religion. When the soul indulges in himsă, it deviates, from its right postures and trespasses into triviality. Ahimsa in the Jaina view is not compassion, pity or sympathy to one who is lower or inferior in status, position or capacity, but a right to live unmolested. Ahimsā thus becomes the great instrument of self-determination to be used and applied, as Gandhiji said, by one who has perfect control over self.
[ January 1984 ]
42/JAINTHOLOGY
