Ahimsa the Science of Peace

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

Page 84

sion and defense in nature is age old. The methods of protection have evolved with the evolution of species.
The evolution of human social system too has its roots in this self-protection system in nature. Mahavir, it seems, realized that, as voluntary violence damages soul directly, the involuntary violence triggers the process of aggression resulting in increased chances of harm to the body and soul through the increase in violence all around. This appears to be the basis of formulating the discipline of attitudes and the control of physical movements.
Mahavir observed that if the conduct is based on Ahimsa, it becomes all-enveloping. If one becomes conscious to the harm of others and takes precautions against it, he automatically covers other factors like hygiene, social conduct, ecological balance and almost every facet of behaviour and short term and long term consequences.
The emphasis on discipline has been due to the fact that every individual has his own limitations of direct perception, capacity of observation, depth of knowledge and broadness of outlook. The curiosity and urge to learn has never been denied but discipline becomes essential because in nature ignorance or innocence does not affect the consequences of any action. Eating a poison would harm irrespective of the knowledge or ignorance about its existence or effects. The knowledge is effective only as far as preventive or curative measures before or after the action are concerned.
Violence triggers violence. This is a natural phenomenon. It is a pure biological reaction. Psychology, sociology and other such subjects have been built and developed around that basic, inherent biological need to live, procreate, and
AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE 41 Jain Education International