$JES 901 Jainism and Spiritual Awakening E9

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 83

E. Jain Conduct and its Relevance to Modern Times The principles of Jainism, if properly understood in their right perspective and faithfully adhered to, have great relevance for modern times.
It also advocates a path of minimum violence, minimum accumulation of possessions while remaining non-attached to these possessions, and the practice of self-restraint. These principles can bring contentment, inner happiness and joy in the present life through spiritual development based on freedom from passions and kindness towards all beings.
Non-violence (Ahimsa) which strengthens the autonomy of life everywhere, non-absolutism (Anekäntaväda) which strengthens autonomy of thoughts & speech, and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha) which strengthens autonomy of interdependence are the three realistic principles which strengthen our belief that every living being has a right to exist.
These principles translate into three practices:
One should not kill
One should not trample others' thoughts
13-BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL CODES OF CONDUCT
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• One should not trample nature
If we truly adopt these three ideas, then there will be:
No acts of war
• No economic exploitation
No environmental and ecological destruction
In summary, to live a proper ethical life and to protect the environment we should:
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Establish universal friendship and peace through non-violence
Practice compassionate living by respecting the lives of other beings and the environment we live in
Establish true social equality based on non-acquisitiveness and non-possession
JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING