________________
172
Lord Mahavira
wearing that the wages of Sin is Death'.
Ahimsa and aparigraha are no longer matters of religious belief or ritual belonging to any particular sect. Mankind is slowly realizing that the only way to avert the possibilities of a thermonuclear catastrophe and the only way to end the present conflict in society, which emanates from hatred, lies in the adoption of these great ideals. Ahimsa and aparigraha are the highest expression of man's civilized and cultured ethics and the way to counteract exploitation, voilence, and killing.
With these words I pay homage to Lord Mahâvîra and in the 'name of humanity I appeal to each one of you to launch a crusade against exploitation, violence, and terror. Let us on this auspicious occasion invoke the blessing of Peace through ahimsa and aparigraha.