________________
Jainism as a Religion of Non-Violence (Ahimsa Dharma)
activities. It is like a matchstick; before it ignites anything outside of itself, it bums its own mouth. That is why Mahavira said 2500 years ago that to accumulate any weapon of violence is not healthy for the accumulator. This applies, to the whole range of our living, from what we choose to put into our mouths to what we choose to think about in our minds. That is why the spiritual aspirant does not want to carry the vibrations of violence in his body or mind. Meditation is a way to cool down accumulated negatives, 10.
ir intensity and transmute them into positive constructive energy to make life healthy, vibrant and meaningful.
To get rid of harmful emotions, the Jaina Agamas (scriptures) have given very powerful and meaningful remedies in the statement: "Ksamă vīrasya Bhūşanam."-- "Forgiveness is an ornament of the brave." The practice of forgiveness leads a person to get rid of resentment, hatred and violence from heart and from mind. When one has reached that state, one does not like the feelings of these harmful emotions, knowing that these emotions are like cankers in our consciousness which destroy the healthy, positive cells of life. Forgiveness (kşamā) and meditation help us to create a mental and spiritual balance. This balance prevents destrucctive tendencies, tendencies with negative consequences for the Self and for the external world. Thus, ecology is also an integral part of Ahimsā.
So, nourish this body and mind with the best nutrients of health and fresh positive thinking, shape your own destiny with loving hands, and invest in your life for the sake of ever-living life. You will realize that "I am Ahimsā. I am love."
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org