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Jainism in a Global Perspective
The doctrine of Ahimsā has been actually put into practice by the Jains during the last so many centuries. As the principle of Ahimsā permeates the lifeof the Jains, the Jaina culture is referred to as the Ahimsā culture. Jains are known for the evolution of Ahimsă culture since they practiced and propagated that culture from ancient times. The antiquity and continuity of Ahimsă culture is mainly due to the inccessant efforts of the Jaina Saints and Jaina Sravakas.
What is Ahinisā - Non-violence ?
After all what is Ahiṁsā - non-violence? -- To establish unity with all the living-beings without any kind of distinction is Ahimsā (non-violence).
Words of Lord Mahāvīra even today inspire the whole world : savva bhūyappabhūyarasa samaṁ bhūyais pāsao. thihiyāsayassa dantassa pāvakammaṁ na bandhai.
-- Daśavaikālika 4/9
"I have friendship with all the living beings, I have no revenge nor enemity with anybody" -- this is the ideal motto of the doctrine of Ahimsā -non-violence. Ahiṁsā is also the key to world peace and friendship; Ahimsă is not limited to Humanity; on the contrary, it must be extended to all living beings. Unhampered and unmolested by any one else. Ahiṁsā really means, 'molest no one, not even your own soul.'
A way to Non-violence
The preachings and professions of Lord Mahāvīra though on the face of them straight and simple are difficult to be practiced. Man has to cultivate a firm conviction in a way of life based on the principles of nonviolence, viz.
ātmanaḥ pratikülāni pareşām na samācaret. "Don't do to others what you do not want to be done to yourself".
kim teņa padhiyāe payakodiṁ vi palālabhūyāe, jai etto vi na jānam parassa pidä na kāyavvā !
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