World Jain Conference 1995 6th Conference

SR No.: 014040
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Satish Jain
Publisher: Ahimsa International
Publication Year: 1995
Total Pages: 257
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 23 MB

Page 66

Jainism And Environment Protection
Principle of Mutualism:
Jainism subsribes to mutualism or symbiosis and opposes predation, parasitism, exploitation and violence in any form. It enjoins on its laity (house hoders) and ascetics (monks) strict adherence to a code of conduct, revering all forms of life, big and small and prescribing careful, judicious and symbiotic utilisation of gifts (fruits) of nature with utmost respect for all animate and inanimate constituents of environment. The metaphysical concepts of Jainism, its ontology, epistemology and ethics ensure stable environment, sustainable material, cultural and spiritual development and happiness to one and all.
According to Jainism the Universe comprises six substances (Dravyas) viz. jiva (all life forms), Pudgala (all matter), Dharma (Substance responsible for motion), Adharma (substance instrumental for stay), Akasa (all space) and Kala (time). The following excerpts from chapter V of Tatvartha Sutra (Moksha Sastra) which is one of the most authentic and accepted canonical literature, emphasise the mutuality (symbiotic existence) of all six substances:
।। गतिस्थित्युपग्रहो धर्माधर्म योरुपकारः । '
(Dharma and Adharma substances are instrumental for motion and stay of Jiva and Pudgala and it is their benevolence).
(Akasa i.e. space gives place to all).
S. M. Jain
|| आकाशस्यावगाह
।। शरीरवाङ्मन प्राणपानाः पुद्गलानाम्
सुखदुःख जीवितमरणोपग्रहाश्च ।
(Pudgala i.e. matter is instrumental for the formation of body, speech, mind and also for happiness, misery and life and death of Jiva). The doctrine of Karma, unique to Jainism is based on the principle of interaction between soul, matter and environment. The manifestation of soul in passions, commissions and omissions, good or bad, interact and imbibe subtle matter which in turn then conditions the inherent congnitive and intuitional porperties of soul and resultant manifestation of passions and deeds in relation to ambient environment).
। । परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम् । । '
(All life forms are for mutual benefit i.e. even the smallest life forms have beneficial role for the complex whole and therefore must be revered and protected).
।। वर्तना परिणाम क्रिया परत्वापरत्वे च कालस्य । 13
(Kala i.e. Time is flowing reality and is instrumental for various actions, interactions of Jiva and Pudgala).
Thus Jainism recognises the intrinsic interdependence of all substances (Dravyas) in the Universe. Such recognition guarantees protection of environment which is like an organism where every organ functions in confirmity and harmony with other organs. Damage or harm to any single organ affects the