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and contentment. Are we going to uproot the tree on the strong branches of which we are sitting? It would be suicidal.
The practice of non-violence through vegetarianism, animal protection and care, afforestation, elimination of pollution of rivers, lakes and oceans can give a collective code of ethical conduct for the society-both national as well as global. Only through non-violence, our alienation from nature would be eliminated and we would be tuned to the feeling of oneness with nature and other species in harmony, non-exploitative interdependence and peace. This would bring not only beneficial ecological results for all living creatures and natural environment, but would also be conducive to inspire spiritual enlightenment of the soul.
Along with non-violence (Ahimsa), Jain religion also places equal emphasis on non-possession (Aparigraha), Jain philosophy advocates self-restraint, abstinence, austerity and elimination of aggressive urge. Through intense discipline -- both mental and physical – human can achieve peace of mind, compassion and equanimity. Aparigraha is the answer to unrestrained and wasteful consumerism, which dominates the materialistic civilization particularly in the industrialized world today. For a better ecology, for harmonious oneness with Nature, it is important to practice simple living with a minimum of wants. There is no end to desire. The world of today has succumbed so much to unending desires that it has come to be dominated by consumptionphobia' - rather than a feeling of peace and contentment both materially as well as spiritually. While millions starve or face misery and deprivation, a privileged few indulge in wasteful consumption, which eventually is harmful to them in terms of health and physical well being.
Earth Save Foundation has calculated that to feed the world's current population with the American-style diet, we would require 242 times as much grain as the world's farmers produce for all purposes. The developed countries with just 23% of global population and 50% of land area consume 60% of the total energy and earn 85% of the world's total income. The developing countries fare very poorly by striking contrast. Hunger and poverty are rampant in developing
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner * (170)
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