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Jainism in a Global Perspective
technology will perish the whole world. This is a great danger to the whole humanity."
Science and Technology plus spirituality or Ahimsā is equal to Sarvodaya, i.e., welfare to everyone.
Science and Technology minus spirituality or Ahimsă is equal to sarvanāśa i.e. destruction of human beings of the world.
Environment
parasparopagraho Jivānām. -- Tattvārtha Süura - 5/2.
"All living beings are mutually obliged to each other". Ancient Indian Philosophies have given the highest honour to "Life" or living beings, Jainism even recognises the Pañcabhūtas i.e., Fire, Air, Earth, etc., also to be forms of "Life". Destruction of the life in any form is manifested as violence in Jainism.
Since the Industrial Revolution, in the race for development mankind has been paying scant attention to nature and preservation of enviornment which has caused tremendous environmental degradation. The concern for environment is reflected in various forms and activities. The recent 'Earth 2000 Conference 'was the biggest such event recently indicating the importance and concern of the World Community towards Environment, pollution and conservation.
One of the foremost concern of mankind should also be to leave a balanced environment for our future generation. Mahatma Gandhi has said that - "not to think of the future generation is also a form of violence"
The concept of mānavadharma proclaims or calls for non-violence and non-possessiveness in every act of human activity. These principles and concerns also applies to preservation of environment, species, life, vegetation, etc. The practical form of implementation of these principles are well known and have been elucidated in quite a few publication.
It is obvious that the whole approach towards nature and its utilisation in different forms can undergo a sea change by adhering to the principles of Ahimsãand its manifestations. The concept of conservation, non-killing and reduction of want etc., can have tremendous impact on all
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