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JAIN JOURNAL
We are, a good many of us, meat-eaters. But most of us feel, even when we are taking meat, that we are doing something improper, something even sinful, for which we feel in our heart of hearts apologetic. We have a sense of compunction, as we frequently ask ourselves: “Who has given to us the right to take the life of some other creature for preserving our own life, or for our pleasure? Such a question would appear silly or fantastic in many parts of the world outside India. But many people are asking themselves the question—whether or not there ought to be a revision in our attitude towards Nature, living or lifeless, round about us. Dinabandhu Andrews was quite positive that such a new approach was necessary, for peace and happiness among men. This approach is the Jaina approach.
It may be particularly questioned—will it be possible to establish in the modern world the Jaina ideal of Ahimsa? I am not at all optimistic. So, should we stop preaching this great doctrine? No, we should persist in holding a great and a noble humanitarian ideal before all the peoples of the world. A great ideal, even though it is impossible of attainment, is something which forever inspires men, and helps them to be better. We cannot promise immediate positive results. But "it would be great victory”, to hold up the becon light of gentleness and kindness and non-injury, in a world abandoned to cruelty, tormenting and destruction.
Sunita' Kuman Anglen
Jain Education International
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