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Jainism in a Global Perspective
the oldest religion in the history of mankind. In support of these findings, these scholars have given spiritual evidence. The relics, unerthed at Mohanjodaro and Harappa, Kankāli Tīlā at Mathura and many epigraphs and images show the antiquity of Jainism.
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Principal Doctrines of Jainism
Concepts of Jainism incorporated in its theory are primarily meant to emphasise the need for the reconstruction of society on a solid foundation of right faith, non-violence and fundamental equality of men. The Doctrines and concepts of Ahimsā, Anekānta, Aparigraha and other ethics have for centuries influenced the life course of the people for realisation of the higher values of life.
The doctrines of Jainism can be grouped into three categories. They are Metaphysics, Philosophy and Ethics. In Ethics the most important doctrine is Ahimsa. All vows and religious precepts in Jainism are intrinsically linked with the doctrine of Ahimsa. The entire Jaina philosophy is based on the foundation of Ahimsa. It embraces all concepts in Jainism like the all pervading ether existing in the universe.
Ahimsa - Non-violence
Lord Mahāvira was convinced that not only mankind but all the moving and non-moving living being should not be harmed because each one of them just like the human beings, does not want any harm to be done to it. He preached to the people his conviction in these words:
savve pāṇā piyāuā, suhasāyā dukkhapaḍikūlā appiyavahā piyajīviņo jiviukāmā savvesim jiviyam piyam.
Acărănga - 12/3/63
"All beings are found of life like pleasure, hate, pain, shun destruction, like life and love to live. To all life is dear".
In order to emphasise this conviction, the Acārāngsūtra declares
that:
je ya aiyā je ya paduvannā, je ya agamissa arahanta bhagavanto te savve evamäikhanti, evaṁ bhāsanti, evaṁ paṇṇavimti evam paruventi savve pāṇā savve bhūyā savve jīvā savve sattāna hantavvā" na ajjhāviyavvāṇa parighettavvā
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