Doctrines Of Jainism And Their Contribution To World Peace

SR No.: 269504
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shantilal V Sheth
Publisher: Shantilal V Sheth
Total Pages: 16
Language: English
Classification: Article
File Size: 2 MB

Page 13

ENVIRONMENT
g
ustures UACATAL? - tarzi Balotto X
"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 Pachbhootas i.e. Fire, Wind, 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, preservation of environment and this 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 generations. Mahatma Gandhi has said that - "not to think of the future generation is also a form of violence".
The concept of manavadharma proclaims or calls for nonviolence and Aparigraha in every act of human activity. These principle 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 publications.
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 Ahimsa and its manifestations. The concept of conservation, non-killing and reduction of want etc. can have tremendous impact on all forms of environmental degradation like air pollution, water pollution, cutting down of forests, Industrial pollution, as well as human and other forms of life.
social and Ethical Values:
There are now new forms of violence emerging in the modern world. These manifest due to the political, social, ethical and other forms of decline of value systems. These can be broadly grouped as
Politics without moral principles Money earning without vital efforts Sensual practices without dicretion
13