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non-violence is equated with attributes such as peace, compassion, piety, harmony, welfare, faith, fearlessness and fraternity. In one word, Jain Philosophy regards non-violence as representing all virtues and violence all the vices. The choice is between the good and the evil.
In the Jain view, the culture of non-violence stands for tolerance and understanding, love and compassion, coexistence and trust among all life forms in this universe in a judicious balance with nature. Jainism has been rightly described as “a philosophy of biological ethics and spiritual ecology”.
Spiritual sustenance for such wide-ranging culture of nonviolence has been beautifully and succinctly expressed in Jain Scripture "Tattvartha Sutra”. (Meaning, “That which is" written by Jain Monk Umasvati in second century B.C.)
"Souls influence each other through service which may be favorable or unfavorable, beneficial or harmful. They cannot live independently of one another. They have to share their pleasure and pain with other. As partners in good and evil acts, they are jointly responsible although they must bear the karmic results individually for the part they play. They create a common environment and live together in weal and woe".
Jain enlightened view of non-violence is not an isolated ivory tower doctrine. For thousands of years this lofty principle has found expression in many religious and ethical traditions.
In inter-faith cooperation, therefore, common ground can be identified for propagating world wide the culture of nonviolence and practical programmes can be drawn up to contribute towards eradicating violence and increasing the practice of nonviolence.
Challenging Task of curbing Violence
The task of spreading the culture of non-violence worldwide is by no means an easy task.
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner * (95)
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