Book Title: Ahimsa Crisis You Decide
Author(s): Sulekh C Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

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Page 293
________________ Government of India mentioned that Jains have the highest literacy rate (97%). Because of their affluence, Jains have always been building temples. Some of the most beautiful and magnificent temples in India are the Jain temples. Even while the number of Jain temples in India in poor conditions abounds, every day the world over, newer and bigger temples are being built quite frequently. Temples do serve the very important needs for pooja, worship, community gatherings, unity, and observance of rituals and festivals. Yet many of these places of worship generally do not offer, on a regular basis, the teachings and training in Jain doctrines, in the practice of practical and applied Jainism, and in 3 As of Jainism; ahimsa, anekantavada (non-one-sidedness) and aprigraha (non attachment and limits on possessions) that can be used in our daily lives and professions. LACK OF TEACHING, TRAINING, GROUNDING, AND DISCUSSION ON AHIMSA Experience shows that experiments in the use of himsa (violence) do not succeed without training. Today, there are many centers in the world that impart training in himsa. Some of them are being run in the name of national security, while others are being operated with a specific purpose of gaining some benefits or advantages. Violence cannot take an aggravated and barbaric form without intensive training. It is also absolutely true that without training, one's consciousness of non-violence can neither be awakened nor developed. Life today is full of problems that need solutions. Non-violence is a solution. What we need is its systematic training. Training in non-violence is essential for all. Knowingly, unknowingly, directly, and indirectly, today's lifestyle involves hundreds of tiny, daily examples of himsa, mostly hidden from our views, in our own lives. Certainly, our lives today are more himsa-filled than was perhaps even one hundred years ago; every day society and corporations An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide 293

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