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2015 JAINA Convention
Jainism World of Non-Violence
our focus from 'T' to 'We'
basis of needs and comfort rather than greed and luxury? In this way one can eliminate the possibility of acquiring negative vibrations (karmas) and channelize thoughts, words and actions in a positive direction.
Jain values need to be lived to be enjoyed. - by Pramodaben Chitrabhartu Today people are living in an interesting time. deceit and competition, lead him to violence and
I a time when the science of information and war. Thomas Merton has rightly said, "Violence technology is rapidly taking over and practically can begin only where thought and rational governing our life. The cave man has become communication have broken down." a castle man. The days of cart wheels and carriages are being replaced by Cadillacs and Living in this fast pace and in technological Convertibles. The period of stone grinding time, mankind has become a robot. Society has become obsolete and the modern electronie thinks for him and he obeys its orders. This herd grinders are taking its place. The old is being mentality blinds his vision and perception thus replaced by the new with tremendous speed and goading him to move about without any aim or velocity
direction
As said by someone, "I expect to pass this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now for I shall not pass this way again."
To get a fresh outlook to life, one can turn to the philosophy of Jain Dharma as practiced and propounded by Lord Mahavir. It has profound answers to our confused state of mind. Its principles are:
The message is for all of us and for the youth in particular who are the one of tomorrow They will shape the way society thinks and feels, for tomorrow belongs to the youth, the youth who hold the promise of the future. They are the symbol of energy and zeal. openness and receptiveness, creativity and innovation.
Reverence for All Life -- Ahimse Relativity in Thinking -- Anekantrada Law of Cause and Effect -- Theory of Karma Principle of Non-acquisition - Aparigraha Principle of Compassion -- Karuna - Nonviolence in thoughts, words and deeds.
This fast moving world has made a machine out of a person. As the machine is used for instant work, in the same way people work for instant happiness, fame and riches. He/She does not care whether it is at the cost of human exploitation, environmental pollution, destruction of the natural resources or animal abuse and suffering Under the powerful grip of greed, people work under the intoxication of modernization, leading them to self-destruction.
One wonders whether he has the same elements which are potentially capable of becoming Mahavir, Buddha, Ram or Jesus - epitomes of love, compassion, joy and bliss. How can one attain happiness if one does not take time to reflect and know the difference between right and wrong in the light of the truth?
When these principles are incorporated in life the Jain values are strengthened and enjoyed
They have time and vigor to carry on and give life and meaning to the ancient heritage of reverence for life, to understand and practice the wisdom of the seers, and to use the insights of the enlightened masters. They are the torchbearers and trendsetters of peace. progress and prosperity for the present and the future generation.
Motivated by epe and sensuality, they use their skills in the acquisition of worldly pleasures and gain. In this way, technology and information make the rich richer and the poor poorer. No wonder Havelock Ellis said. "The sun, the moon and the stars would have disappeared long ago, had they happened to be within reach of predatory human hands."
History tells us that no amount of wealth and fame has made mankind happy. for material happiness is fleeting and temporary. its definition changes with one's desires and dreams. Happiness does not lie in accumulation of things, but in the art of equal distribution, simplicity and contentment. If one wants, one can decide not to become a machine in the mechanical world, acting without thinking, but instead think before each action. Every positive or negative action has an equal and opposite reaction. A loving thought east in the universe has a loving response, and an evil thought has an evil one. It is the law of nature that what is thrown outcomes about like a boomerang. So why not prioritize life on the
Jain Dharma also emphasizes the idea of tolerance and non-interference as its teachings These perennial principles of Lord Mahavir are the avenues to health, happiness, peace and harmony. They were useful thousands of years ago and will be useful for millennia to come. Putting the teachings of Jain Dharma into practice, one can renew one's connectivity to that ancient source of teaching and live in harmony with oneself and in harmony with the rest of the world.
It is time to think globally and act locally. by arising, awaking and assimilating the principles of Jain Dharma in life and appreciating the glorious spiritual wealth one has inherited.
Today when we look around, we see that mankind has become a burden and an enemy to himself, society and planet earth, rather than a friend to all. Engaging in anger, lust, selfishness,
Let us, therefore, work collectively for the betterment of the whole universe by changing
Pramoda Chitrabhanu Jain Meditation International Center New York
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| SR No. | 527538 |
| Book Title | JAINA Convention 2015 07 Atlanta GA |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Federation of JAINA |
| Publisher | USA Federation of JAINA |
| Publication Year | 2015 |
| Total Pages | 124 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Magazine, USA_Convention JAINA, & USA |
| File Size | 25 MB |