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The Jain approach is beautifully reflected in Epictetus, A.D.50, and should help us in strengthening our soul energy. It says:
You are a distinct portion of the essence of God; and contain part of God in yourself. Why, then, are you ignorant of your noble birth? Why do you not consider whence you came? Why do you not remember when you are eating, who you are who eat, and whom you feed? Do you not know that it is the Divine you feed; the Divine you exercise? You carry a God about with you".
The teachings of Tirthankaras and their life example invoke and inspire an intense and constant awareness of communion and interdependence not only with all living beings but also indeed with all elements of nature. The holy text Tatvartha Sutra'sums it up in the phrase 'Parasparograho Jeevanam' and Yogashastra says, "Atmavat Sarva Bhuteshu”.
This concept of interdependence has been beautifully expressed by Francis Thompson in his book “The Mistress of Vision”. He writes:
"All Things by immortal power near or far hiddenly to each other linked are. That than canst not stir a flower without troubling a star”.
In its global perspective, Jain philosophy postulates six substances (dravyas) in the universe. Jiva (Soul) is the animate substance (Jivastikaya). It includes apart from human beings and animals the entire range of living beings and life forms and entities ranging from plants, vegetables and trees to minutest insects and birds.
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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