Jain Digest 1991 01

SR No.: 527041
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 1991
Total Pages: 44
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 7 MB

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JAIN DIGEST illiteracy, cruelty to animals, tree felling, air pollution, dogmatism, unemployment, animal sacrifices in religious ceremonies and other similar ailments, which rectification can lead to a more peaceful, clean and prosperous world where all life is interdependent and can live in perfect harmony.
May the noble and sublime principles of Jainism permeate our heats for a better tomorrow in which reverence for all life will be intensely nurtured.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
by Atmanandji, spiritual head Shrimad Rajchandra Institute, Koba
Choosing the right
path
Dipchand Bhal Gardi (Bombay) presenting Jain Declaration on Nature and a set of books on Jainism to Prince Philip in Buckingham Palace
Self-control
A
ye who live in this century have noticed the great W changes taking place on Mother Earth. Because
humanity has ignored the teachings to preserve Nature and exploit it instead, we have caused increasing natural disasters and the spread of new diseases. We now seek new types of medication which further damage the natural ability of our mind and body to cure disease. The unnatural methods of producing vegetables and other food products to meet the demands of the exploding world population cannot be borne by the earth. It is causing disasters, such as earthquakes, fires and wars, which we are already seeing and will continue to see as we approach the end of this century.
When human beings started developing technology, they went further to create weapons whose only purpose is destruction. This must stop, not only to preserve humanity but also this great planet we live upon and call Earth. If it does not stop, we are heading for the total destruction of future generations. We will have no one to blame but ourselves as we are following the wrong path, forgetting the laws of Nature and the gifts of Nature.
The Jain religion has the precious teaching of non- violence. We must never think to kill any living soul or animal as they all have lives to lead. To destroy one life for the benefit of another is violence. Let us believe in the religion to which we were born while respecting all religions. No religion is higher or better than another. Ultimately, we are all aiming towards one goal, only the paths are different
I close my message with the thought that in this present toubled world, it is time that we all came together and respect each other for the peace and betterment of humanity. If one only remembers that we came into this world without anything and we shall all leave the world without anything, we realize it is better to contribute towards lasting peace than to go down in history as born to destroy.
s we address the environmental crisis, which has been popularized by the media through products such as
ozone-friendly sprays and recycled paper and bottles, it is possible to put the fundamental Jain principle of ahimsa into effect through the practice of self-control.
There is a growing concern over the global warming caused by production of waste 'greenhouse gases from homes, cars and factories when fossil fuels (petrol, coal, oil) are burnt to create power and when forests are destroyed. A United Nations report published in October 1990 warned that a warmer and drier world caused by the greenhouse effect would cut harvests in parts of Europe, North Africa and North America. The solution is a drastic reduction in our consumption of natural resources so that there are fewer harmful gases released into the air and fewer forests de stroyed. In other words, we must practice ahimsa through the exercise of self-control. We must consume less.
The attitude that is adopted by the West towards the environment is in marked contrast to that of the Jains. The Western view is only concerned with the well-being of the human race and not with the killing and suffering of living beings through effects such as pollution and the destrution of forests. In contrast to the Western thought and attitude, there is an intense awareness in Jainism of the communion and interdependence not only with all living beings, but with all the element of nature. In the words of Mahavir, "One who disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them."
All living beings value their life and all living beings have the potential to attain moksha (liberation). As Jains, we should limit the extent of violence that is inflicted on the environment by finding ways to reduce pollution which causes the greenhouse effect, kills one-sensed being and kills or sickens many larger forms of life, incluing humans. Efforts to reduce the amount of forests that are destroyed can in
by N.J. Doshi Jain Delegate to the Palace President, Singapore Jain Religious Society
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Jain Education Intemational