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KHAMEMI SAVVA-JIVE SAVVA JIVA KHAMANTU ME,
MITTI ME SAVVA-BHUESU
VERAM MAJJHA NA KENAL Introspection during the Paryushan Festival should
not only be of the self but should also include a review of our actions towards animals, plants and all other forms of life forms and the environment.
SEPTEMBER 2016
The above prayer of forgiveness, which is recited often during the Paryushan Festival reminds Jains that "the universe is not for man alone. It is a field of evolution for all of life's forms. Jainism teaches
that life is life, not only in people of all lands,
colours, and beliefs, but is of the same sacred quality in all creatures, right down to the tiny ant
and humble worm. Consciousness exists in everything which grows, regardless of the size of its form. Though different forms are not the same in
mental capacity and sensory apparatus, the life force is equally worthy in all"
KISHOR BHIMJI SHAH
