Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

Page 65

( 58 )
but persists for ever and consists of perfected consciousness and highest rectitude. This being the goal of every living being, life in every form is highly respected by the Jains. The universe is not for man alone, but is a theatre of evolution for all living beings. Live and let live is their guiding principle. Ahimsa Parmo dharmah-Noninjury is the highest religion. Their ceremonial worship, institutions, manners and customs (purely Jain ) all rest on this grand fulcrum of Ahimsa.
The fool is not warned by seeing distress overtake others; he acts like the man who, seated on the top of a tree in the midst of a burning forest, sees deers and other living beings perish, but does not think that the same fate is soon to overtake him also.
- Divine Discourse