Ahimsa the Science of Peace

Author(s): Surendra Bothra
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 82

THE ACTION
Irya-samiti is defined as the attitude of careful physical movement so as to avoid any harm to others as well as self. Traditionally this has become confined to watching that while walking or moving otherwise, no insects are crushed under a person. The rituals into which this attitude has shrunk are sweeping the floor before walking or sitting, not riding on an animal or vehicle, not traveling on water or in air etc. The followers of mere rituals forget that there are many other facets to harming by careless movement.
To be watchful and ensure that while moving no insects or micro-organisms are harmed does not mean that you ensure that only insects are not harmed. It means that you should be so careful that not even the insects are harmed. If, as is generally done, everything other than the insects is not cared about, the whole purpose of observing this discipline is lost.
It has been explicitly mentioned in Dashavaikalik Sutra that one should be conscientious in all activities. It appears that the numbers have influenced the priorities and importance of discipline of attitude has been pushed down. The so