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honesty and greed through contentment through a process of what may appear to be austere and rigorous but in reality is persuasive self-control of both the mental as well as physical faculties. Selfrestraint is not something forced down one's throat but a discipline that makes you feel more relaxed and increasingly tension-free. Jain thought radiates an all-embracing light of love and compassion that has no barriers or boundaries and can be practiced by any human being as basis of his/her life ethics.
The cardinal principles of Jainism are the three 'A's: AHIMSA (Non-violence), APARIGRAHA (Non-acquisition) and ANEKANT (Relativity in thinking). They seek to inspire and guide the humanity to pursue the path of truth (SATYA), by truth and for truth. To separate oneself from the truth is in itself committing violence. We need to understand them in the most compassionate and service-above-self perspective.
In Jain ethos, non-violence is not just a principle but also an optimistic opening to a totally rational yet compassionate life culture. It helps you to realize that you are responsible to yourself as well as others around you for promoting an environment of love and selfless service.
In its truly universal orientation, the elements of nature - the earth, the sky, the air, the water and the fire are intrinsically interwoven with all forms of life. All must coexist and co-prosper in harmony with one another and not at the cost of one another. Non-violence thus emerges as a universal culture rooted to the basic theme of survival, evolution, growth and the full blossoming of life in all its splendour and variety on this planet of ours. It should be abundantly clear, as Jain Scripture “Yoga-Shastra” says that
"Non-violence is beneficent to all creatures and living nature; it is the best healing herb and symbolizes "the
perpetual return of existence".
Non-violence is a truly democratic concept with the emphasis on love and tolerance. It stems from the Jain concept of the equality
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner * (195)
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