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• Ahimsa is one of the five mahavratas (the five great
vows). The other mahavratas are non-attachment to possessions, not lying, not stealing, and sexual restraint
(with celibacy as the ideal). • Jains understand that 2600 years ago, Lord Mahavira
gave Jainism its present-day form. • The texts containing the teachings of Mahavira are called
the Agamas. • Jains are divided into two major sects; the Digambara
(meaning "sky clad') sect and the Shvetambara (meaning "white clad) sect. This distinction refers to the clothing
of the sadhus; no clothes or white clothes respectively. • Jainism has no pujaris or purohits. Its spiritual and
religious people are monks and nuns, who lead strict and ascetic lives.
Source: BBC web site.
Ahimsa (nonviolence) is the central part of Jainism. Ahimsa means the absence of the desire to injure or kill and a disinclination to do harm. It also means both mental and physical concern for the welfare of others; humans and nonhumans. In the following pages we will describe the relationship between Ahimsa and Jainism and its unique foundation.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN AHIMSA AND JAINISM Nearly 2,600 years ago, Lord Mahavira laid down a very specific and detailed code of conduct for Jain laity in regard to the practice of ahimsa in their daily lives. He also, through his own self-practice, preaching and practical demonstrations, strongly objected and revolted against the prevalent practices of himsa (violence) in many customs and traditions of the day. These included animal sacrifices in religious rituals;
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An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
