Jain Journal 1976 10

SR No.: 520044
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 44
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 38

GLEANINGS
Jainism
[The following came in answer to a query about Jainism from the Secretary of the Vegan Society to a correspondent in Bombay. The writer did not intend it for publication—she says she would have spent more time and care in its composition had she so intent-but she has given permission for it to appear and the Secretary feels it will be of great interest and help to readers.]
...As for Jainism-Jainism is the religion of Jina. Jina is the One who has won over himself. There are 24 Jinas of whom Lord Mahavira is the last. I shall write about some of the principles: "All the living things love life. Nobody likes pain or death. So it is our duty to see that we cause no pain or death to any living things.” I personally believe that Jainism is not only religion but also has scientific principles. If we have to be the cause for any life's pain or death, it should be to the minimum. Vegetation feels less pain than other living things. 2500 years ago, Jainism had said that even the vegetation has feelings. This was proved about 50 years ago by scientists. Jainism has set up particular days in each month when we do not eat even green vegetable with a view to letting vegetation rest. Jainism has said that water should not be drunk without being boiled. The food or water should be taken only during the daytime and not after sunset. This all, I believe, is very hygenic.
Living things are divided into 5 groups-more the senses, more is the feeling of pleasure or pain.
1. Lives with one sense i.e. those who do not move and have no other senses than the sense of touch. The vegetation comes into this group.
2. Lives with two senses i.e. feeling of touch due to the body and the second sense is in the mouth. Worms come into this category.
3. Lives with three senses i.e. feeling, eating by mouth and nose i.e. the sense of smell. Bugs, cockroaches, ants, etc. come in this category.
4. Lives having four senses. Feeling (skin), eating (mouth), smelling (nose), and the sense of seeing. Butteriies, flies, spiders etc. come in this category.
5. Lives with five senses. Feeling (skin), eating (mouth), smelling (nose), seeing (eyes) and hearing (ears.). All animals, birds, fishes and also