Page Text
________________
Non-Violence must not be understood as a principle of utility. The core definition of Non-Violence in the words of Bhagwan Mahavir is "Aatmaupamya Bhaav". This means developing the feeling of oneness with all existing souls and to consider everyone else's soul as equal to our own soul. This includes not only the souls of human beings but also those of every living organism. This concept of equality of souls is the true nature of Non-Violence. Until these feelings are cultivated in our mind, peace and harmony cannot exist. Pragmatic practice of Non-Violence does have its own value, yet more importance should be bestowed upon the transcendent practice of Non-Violence.
The seeds of violence exist not only in the external world but also in the inner world. Violence was not born in the twentieth century; it emerged a long time ago. Only a delicate string of usefulness and selfinterest has placed a curtain on the emergence of violence. Whenever this string is broken, violence shows its heinous face. We need to introspect on this problem very seriously. Where do we start? It would be best if all of us started to assess our own actions, behaviors and attitudes. There are many questions that each one of us needs to ask himself. Who am I? What's the purpose of my life on this beautiful planet? Am I living a life influenced by untrained instincts? Are my actions creating negativity in my own life, in my family and in the society? Which of my instincts are responsible for stimulating negative emotions? Is it possible to transform and transmute those emotions? Am I prone to act according to my destiny? Do I have to suffer pain throughout my life? Contemplating in this manner might lead to a ray of light that will illuminate our path towards peace and happiness.
An economist or a sociologist would say that man commits violence because of the confluence of situations, circumstances and environment. Man adapts and behaves according to the situation. His actions and reactions are related to the circumstances. These, surely, are the instrumental causes that increase violence, but the main cause exists in the deeper level of the internal world, inside the sub-conscious mind.
The literal meaning of Non-Violence is no violence, no Himsa. This elucidates both the negative and the affirmative implications of its meaning. Refraining from killing and abstinence from attachment and hatred in all actions is the negative implication of Non-Violence, whereas engaging in auspicious deeds, learning and understanding spiritual practices is its affirmative implication. In the superficial physical sense, it seems that where there is negation, there is only prohibition of violence and where there is affirmation, there is an exposure towards creativity and positive actions. In a deeper sense, it is obvious that where there is a negation, there is a provision for action and where there is an action; there is a negation too.
XO
FORK 133 MOTO
| SR No. | 528692 |
| Book Title | Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Jain Center of America NY |
| Publisher | USA Jain Center America NY |
| Publication Year | 2005 |
| Total Pages | 190 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Magazine, USA_Souvenir Jain Center NY New York, & USA |
| File Size | 14 MB |