Ahimsa Crisis You Decide

Author(s): Sulekh C Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 52

In this book, I draw upon many real stories, case studies, and observations I have made during my time in India and in North America. The use of stories and case studies is a powerful technique frequently employed by preachers and professors. In fact, one major category of Jain literature is called Kathaanuyog (meaning "full of stories and happenings"). Stories and case studies convey a message much more clearly and effectively than does a theoretical text, because readers can relate incidents and events to their own lives.
In the following pages, I frequently mention myself, my relatives, and my close friends, but not because of vanity. Some of the stories I share are very personal and intimate. I do not mean for them to sound self-serving and arrogant on my part or accusatory or condemning of others. I am no paragon of perfection in thought, word, or deed. Like all of my fellow humans, I have flaws, weaknesses, and shortcomings. And I have committed much himsa, though mostly unwittingly and out of ignorance. But upon learning of my mistakes, I have constantly and as humanly possible, strived to change, make amends, and apologize for committing himsa.
I am not a successful role model, either. Despite frequent discussions about ahimsa, I have not influenced even a single person in my own household to become vegan or a follower of the broader aspects of ahimsa.
Interestingly, the one person I recall upon whom my words have had an effect is a non-Jain. About five years ago, I was visiting with a classmate from my college days in India. During our conversation, he told me that he is a vegetarian and eats meat rarely. I responded, "Either one is pregnant or not pregnant. There is no such thing as half-pregnant or partially pregnant." He thought about it and after a few days called me to say that he has decided to become fully vegetarian.
Yes, it was easy to preach to him. But it is harder to walk the walk myself. Since I am vegan only 95% of the time, I cannot claim to be a complete vegan either. I am trying to be, but sometimes my willpower weakens. I don't let my downfalls
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