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Jainism in a Global Perspective
never compromised on the principle and practice of non-violence. In the words of the famous American scientist Carl Sagan:
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"There is no right to life in any society on earth today nor has there been at any time with a few rare exceptions such as the JAINS of India."
Jainism regards non-violence as the "Supreme Religion". It insists upon its observance in thought, expression and action both at the level of the individual as well as the society. It envisages its observance not only among humans, but on the wider plane among all life on the planet and the elements of nature that nurture and sustain it. It maintains that both scientifically as well as spiritually all life on earth is closely interdependent. There is a common organic chemistry, a shared evolutionary heritage and a common destiny passing through the cycle of birth and death towards eventual emancipation.
The divine and yet pragmatic philosophy of non-violence in dayto-day life has been beautifully eleborated by Lord Mahāvira:
thus:
"I cannot take what I cannot give back. No one can give back life. So no one should take it.
In happiness and 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, suffering or pain as would be undesirable or unbearable if inflicted upon ourselves. We must endeavour to develop equanimity towords all living beings and element of nature in this uni
verse."
Jaina Yogaśästra gives a comprehensive definition of Non-violence
'Reverence for life is the supreme religious teaching. Noninjury to life is the supreme moral guidance. Giving freedom from fear to life is the supreme act of giving Non-violence to life is the supreme renunciation."
This is not a narrow religious thought or creed. It is a universal truth. In his famous classic 'Les Miserables' Victor Hugo maintains:
"Life is to give and not to take"
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