Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

Author(s): N P Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 40

any element so vast as space. Similarly, there is no quality of soul more subtle than non-violence and no virtue of spirit greater than reverence for life".
Humans - the most superior living beings on Earth need to awaken to the realization that they have an obligation to fight for life on Earth - not just for themselves, but for those humans and others, who came before them and for all those who, if they were wise-enough, will come after. There is no cause more urgent, no dedication more fitting than to protect the future of our species in a peaceful, serene and healthy ecological setting. Humans must recognize that God has given an uplifted face only to them and bade them to stand erect and turn their eyes to heaven while all other animals were prone to fix their gaze upon the earth.
Renowned Digambar Jain Acharya Vidyanandji put it very aptly in one of his sermons. He said:
"An oarsman plies the boat on a river, but who is taking the Oarsman? It is his own initiative, determination, emotional and skill faculty, and soul strength. Human beings being superior among all life forms owe it to them to lead and not to blame or exploit life and
environment around them".
Jain religion has for over 5000 years enshrined this approach in the motto of “Prasparopgraho Jeevanam" meaning that all living organisms, irrespective of the degree of their sensory perceptions or size are bound together by mutual support and interdependence. Jain ecological perception views evolution and growth of life in all its splendour and variety on this planet of ours. It is a democratic concept pinning its faith in the sanctity, integrity and equality of souls irrespective of differing forms of living creatures ranging from humans to animals, insects, plants and even miniscule living organisms.
Jain religion prohibits destruction of earth's life support system, which provides for harmonious, balanced and mutually supportive relationship between all life forms and nature. Jain scriptures say:
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner * (19)