Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

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expresses the constant or regular order of certain phenomena, or the constant mode of action of things or beings under certain definite circumsta. nces. It is not a command, but a formula to which things or beings conform precisely, and without exception under definite relations, internal and external. Jainism, therefore, is not a theistic system in the sense of belief in the existence of a God as the Creator and Ruler of the universe; and still the higbest being in the Jain view in a person, and not impersonal, characterless, quality-less being. All that there is in or of the universe may be classified under two heads: (1) Sentient, animate or conscious being (a, liberated beings; b, embodied beings ); and (2) Inse. ntient, inanimate or unconscious things or substances. There is not an inch of space in the universe where there are not innumerable minute living beings. They are smaller than the minutest living things we can see with the aid of a microscope. Weapons and fire are too great to destroy them. Their life and death depend on their vital forces, which are, of course, related to the surroundings. Clay, stones, etc., as they come fresh from the earth have life. Water besides being the home of many living beings, is itself an assemblage of minute animate creatures, Air,