Ahimsa Varsh 2600th Birth Anniversary of Mahavir Swami

Author(s): Naresh Jain, P Jayaraman
Publisher: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

Page 9

Veerayatan
Message
he celebration of The Year of Non-Violence is timely as well as essential for our world and is also a most appropriate tribute to Lord Mahavira since this entire
year we are celebrating his 2600th birth date. Practicing non-violence was the fundamental teaching of Lord Mahavira and it is certain that most of the religions also propose this for the betterment of human life and environment.
Lord Mahavira applied non-violence in its truest sense to every aspect of life and not only to killing of lives. It was of relevance at his time and has always been so; more so now. Scientific research is always intended to make life easier and has improved human life in many ways. However, its inadvertent use has resulted sometimes in destruction of peace. This has also hurt nature and environment. All these phenomena should be viewed as violence and must be taken into consideration when we talk about non-violence. Ahimsa should be practiced in its real sense, which means not to hurt "any being by body, mind, and speech”.
Tirthankar Mahavir Swami preached that Non-Violence and friendship are complementary to each other.
I commend one and all at your fine organization to accept the challenge to address this major cause, which will bring more happiness to this earth. I wish all of you the best. I am confident that the true supporters of Ahimsa from all around the world are with you. I am wishing for the best success of the conference and its mission.
Acharya Chandanaji