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compassion was set aside. But then look at the disastrous consequences; I recall when I was India's Ambassador in Mexico, I read about cruelty perpetrated by Aztecs when they used to slaughter 55 young boys and girls every day to appease their Gods. And what happened to them. Mexicans preferred Spanish Colonialists to them and Aztecs were wiped-out unsung, unheard.
Similar cases can be quoted from many other countries. And today terrorism is causing harm to innocent persons. But all such deviations from compassionate life ethics make the ugly face of violence even uglier, murkier and more detestable. The sad lessons of violent history eventually lead one to the teachings of the enlightened leaders of humanity that there can be no substitute for love and tolerance for building happier surroundings and tranquil atmosphere.
2.
Non-Absolutism (Anekant) :
The culture of relativity in thinking brings about appreciation of multi-dimensional reality and sympathetic understanding of other related interpretactions of facts, situations and events. Anekant stimulates synthesis, open-minded, unbiased under-standing and harmonization of different points of view. It strengthens in individuals and societies the fiber of tolerance, accommodation, reconciliation and peace.
3. Non-Possession (Aparigraha):
Aparigraha inculcates the culture of need in place of greed, of avoiding wasteful consumption and unbridled pursuit of materialistic pleasures, and of voluntary self-restraint and discipline in utilizing nature's resources. Non-violence is incomplete without voluntary curb on human extravagance.
In his sermons, Mahavir repeatedly observed, "It is owing to attachment that a person commits violence, speaks utter lies, commits theft, indulges in sex and develops yearning for unlimited hoardings.
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Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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