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The concept of unconditional ahimsa towards all life forms is the most profound contribution of Jains to India and to the world. In India, ahimsa of the Jains has played a significant role in shaping many customs and traditions, one being vegetarianism. Since Lord Mahavira's passing in 527 BCE, Jains, both in their lifestyle and practice, have steadfastly, zealously, and with utmost devotion, preserved this great treasure and inheritance. Over the centuries, Jains have sometimes been subjected to extreme forms of violence, but they have never wavered, walked away from or compromised with ahimsa. For example, when thousands of their temples and places of worship were being destroyed, when their monks and nuns were being tortured or when Jains in general were being discriminated against, they found refuge in ahimsa. During the partition of India into two countries, India and Pakistan, in 1947, when many inhabitants in some parts of India and Pakistan were engaged in uncontrolled himsa, Jains too became victims of torture, looting, burning, rape, and killing. Yet even in those testing and trying times, they did not abandon ahimsa. In fact, the Jain community may be the only living, continuous example of ahimsa in the history of humankind. Throughout the entire history of India, Jains have never been part of a problem. They have always been a part of a solution. Such is the legacy and practice of ahimsa by the Jains. One could say that ahimsa and Jains are synonymous words. Jain monks and nuns, with their most austere life style, strict adherence to the code of ahimsa —in the case of digambra monks not even possessing the clothing on their bodies — become a living example of ahimsa even today that provokes reverence and respect in the hearts and minds of all those with whom they come in contact. For centuries, Jains have steadfastly practiced ahimsa in their daily lives. For example, they have predominantly been vegetarian and vegan, will not use animal products in clothing,
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An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
