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scribes a method of practicing it for a limited period. Participants are required to keep a detailed record of their experiences during that period and a follow up meeting is held to discuss the results.
The most important technique given in the scriptures is the vow. It is a promise which one makes before god to observe certain principles for a fixed number of days, for example a ‘pachakhaan' (a specific vow for a specific period) is taken when one decides to fast (upavaas) for one day. Irrespective of what happens that day, such as feelings of hunger, one is determined to fast and completes it. The experiments with Jainism are an extension of this central principle in our scriptures.
However, it must be emphasized that one cannot climb the stairs if one does not have the energy or the commitment. Similarly, one cannot get happiness in Jainism if one does not want to work towards it. Reward only comes with effort.
All the experiments we have conducted so far are shown in the appendix. We will now look at one experiment in detail - the experiment on ahimsa.
EXAMPLE: EXPERIMENT ON AHIMSA (NON-VIOLENCE)
This is one of the most popular Jain principles. Its common translation is ‘non-violence' but in reality it is a very positive principle and means respect for all life. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the strongest supporters of Ahimsa. He believed that rather than being a sign of cowardice its practice requires great courage and inner strength. He practiced Ahimsa in all aspects of life from having no personal en
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AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE Jain Education International
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