Ahimsa and Jainism

Author(s): Vijayvallabhsuri
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi

Page 76

[ 69 ] strands in the fabric of ancient Indian culture that continues to be active in India of today, nobody attempting an overall appraisal of Indian culture can neglect a basic understanding of the religious insights, philosophical principles and corresponding norms of conduct that characterize the Jain faith. What follows is but a very broad and bare effort to outline its essential tenets and practices.
NON-VIOLENCF (ahimsa ), THE FOCAL
PRINCIPLE OF CONDUCT
It is a matter of common knowledge that non-injury to living beings (ahimsa) is a cardinal principle of Jainism. Rigorous and minute rules of practice are laid down for monks as well as laymen to extent violence. A spiritual aspirant is required to control his thought, speech and physical movements and to be circumspect in all his activities indispensable for living, so that least harm is done to other creatures.
Non-violence is in fact the corner stone of the Jain moral edifice. It is the first of the five highest vows (vratas), prescribed for all followers of Jainism. The other four are : Truthfulness