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forms of life he destroys, the less harmful Karmas or deeds he generates. This leads to strict vegetarianism.
The doctrine of Ahimsa is not merely a matter of profession, but of constant, scrupulous practice to every Jain.
The practice of Ahimsa is both an individual and a collective virtue. The principle of Ahimsa has great potential significance, because it is basic in concept and universal in its moral principles.
Ahimsa is full of positive meaning, ranging from an act of simple kindness to a comprehensive outlook of universal fraternity.
A great Jain scholar of the 10th century, Acharya Hemachandra, said in the Yogashastra: ... आत्मवत् सर्वभूतेषु सुखदुःखे प्रियाप्रिये ।
चितयन्नात्मनोऽनिप्टां हिंसामन्यस्य नाचरेत् ।। Atmavat Sarwabhooteshu Sukh Dukh Priyapriye 1 Chimtayannatmno-nistham Hinsamanysaya Nacharet II
“In happiness or suffering, in joy or grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self. We should therefore, refrain from inflicting upon others such injury as would appear undesirable to us, if inflicted upon ourselves.”
Ahimsa, Non-violence in Jainism is not only physical non-violence, but it is non-violence also of speech and thought.
One can harm others by harsh speech or even by uncharitable thoughts and therefore this is also violence and has to be abjured.
The practice of non-violence does not merely
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