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etc. Even in the realm of one-sensed jīvas and in the realm of non-intentional injury he should so manage to confine his operations as may affect the life and existence of a very limited number of jīvas. In these two provinces the point to note is that of reducing the amount of injury that is apt to be caused and not that of total relinquishment which is not possible without endangering the survival of man. If we reflect a little, we shall find that man is subject to himsā by the very condition of his existence. Yet instead of aggravating the natural weight of hisā by falling foul upon one another and by our cruel treatment with the animal and vegetable kingdoms we should endeavour to reduce this general curse to the extent it is possible. The observer of ahimsānuvrata should avoid gambling, hunting, drinking, meat eating, and the like.
The implications of ahimsānuvrata in solving social, national and international problems is that the principle of mutual understanding should be adhered to. Life should be elevated altogether from the plane of force to that of reason, persuasion, accomodation, tolerance and mutual service. 86 The maintenance of universal peace, and the promotion of human welfare, can only be effected by suffusing worlds' atmosphere with the spirit of ahimsā. War is to be discouraged, exploitation is to be condemned. Besides, a social consciousness is to be developed against the use of wine and the slaughtering of animals.
The muni extends active friendship to all living beings from the one-sensed to the five-sensed without any exception, and consequently all forms of intentional hirsā are shunned and the question of udyami, ārambhi and virodhi hiṁsā does not arise in his case. The muni is a world citizen. He, therefore, draws the attention of men to the inefficacy of himsā for solving social, national and international disputes. He himself is the embodiment of ahiṁsā and exhorts others to develop reverence for life as such.
3 (ii). Satya (Aņuvrata-Mahāvrata) : Let us begin with the meaning of falsehood. It implies the making of wrong and improper statement by one who is overwhelmed by passions such
jaina Mysticism and other essays
37
Jain Education International
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| SR No. | 006933 |
| Book Title | Jaina Mysticism and Other Essays |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Kamalchand Sogani |
| Publisher | Prakrit Bharti Academy |
| Publication Year | 2002 |
| Total Pages | 166 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 17 MB |