________________
10
A Journey of Ahimsa
There was a time, in the past, when the world was confronted with two alternatives — violence or non-violence. Today the two alternatives before the world are - non-violence or humanity's extinction. Man's very existence is in peril today with the wave of violence sweeping globally. Terrorism has become a global phenomenon and nations are at war, resulting in bloodshed and killings. There is violence in each and every society and has percolated down to the domestic life. An individual today is more violent. A schoolboy does not hesitate killing a classmate over a petty matter. Killing a person belonging to another race or community has become the order of the day. Thus at the level of an individual and society, violence has almost become a way of life.
In the Indian scriptures there is the story of Bhasmasur. He worshipped Lord Shiva and through severe penance propitiated Him. Shiva was pleased and granted him a boon - whatever he
157
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
