Ahimsa Crisis You Decide

SR No.: 007754
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sulekh C Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy
Publication Year: 2016
Total Pages: 328
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, D000, & D005
File Size: 6 MB

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the twentieth century, the most vibrant and illustrious example of Jain influence was that of Mahatma Gandhi, acclaimed as the Father of the Indian Nation. Gandhi's spiritual mentor and friend, Shrimad Rajchandra, was a Jain. The two great men corresponded, until Rajchandra's death, on issues of faith and ethics. The central Jain teaching of ahimsa (non-violence) was the guiding principle of Gandhi's civil disobedience in the cause of freedom and social equality. His ecological philosophy found apt expression in his observation that the greatest work of humanity could not match the smallest wonder of nature. The essence of Jainism is concern for the welfare of every being in the universe and for the health of the universe itself. To that end: • Jains believe that animals and plants, as well as human
beings, contain living souls. Each of these souls is considered of equal value and should be treated with
respect and compassion. • Jains are vegetarians and live in a way that minimizes
their use of the world's resources. • Jains believe in reincarnation and seek to attain ultimate
liberation - which means escaping the continuous cycle of birth, death and rebirth so that the immortal soul
lives forever in a state of bliss. • Liberation is achieved by eliminating all karmas from the
soul. • Jainism is a religion of self-help. • There are no gods or spiritual beings that will help
human beings. • The three guiding principles of Jainism, also known as
the “three jewels,” include right/rational belief, right/
rational knowledge and right/rational conduct. • The supreme principle of Jainway of living is non
violence (ahimsa).
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
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