Ahimsa Crisis You Decide

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

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discourage me. I pick myself up and keep walking on my journey toward observance of ahimsa in all aspects of my life. Whether the stories are mine or from other sources, all are reflections of how ahimsa is practiced—or not practicedwithin the Jain community today. Readers may find some of the stories gruesome, but rest assured that they are not fabricated or exaggerated. I apologize for not naming all of my sources; sometimes I have forgotten the name, other times it is best left unsaid. While writing this book, I sought the views of some of my friends about what I was writing. Quite a few were disappointed that my book was not about ahimsa as a philosophy. They were expecting a theoretical and academic book and not this critical and honest reflection. Several other friends warned me that many Jains will feel hurt and may even accuse me of seeking to injure their feelings. In fact, they advised me either not to write this book at all or that I should write something "feel good.” However, I feel strongly about ahimsa and what is happening within my Jain sangh. This is not healthy. I feel hurt and that is the impetus of this book. If some readers feel hurt by anything I have written, that will amount to himsa on my part. I sincerely say to them "michchhami dukhadam,” (I ask for unconditional forgiveness). If, on the other hand, this book fosters open, honest, rational, and critical discussions within the Jain community, I will feel myself very blessed. I trust readers will reflect on the message and not on the messenger. Thank you, Jai Jinendra, and Dhanyavaad. Sulekh C. Jain, Houston, Texas, USA December, 2014
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
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