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Ch. 2: The Sraman Sangh - Brotherhood
The First Wave of Disciples – Formation of the Sangh
Mahavir continued, "We can experience this truth. Sometimes, people kill animals for the excitement and pleasure of killing, but their conscience tells them otherwise. Their feelings of guilt and sadness soon overtake their joy. This is because the basic law of happy living is 'Ma Hanno' - 'Do not hurt another life, even indirectly. The one you hurt is none other than yourself. Violence cannot make anyone happy."
"Our spiritual journey begins only when we cease inflicting violence upon others. This is true sadhana (spiritual exercise). This is reality and also our ultimate goal! Attempting to win favors from a supreme power through sacrificial offerings or chanting mantras is futile.
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