Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

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

Page 41

"One who disregards the existence of earth, water, fire, air and vegetation disregards one's own existence
which is entwined with them". Mahavir analyzed it further by observing:
"The instinct of self-preservation is universal. Every animate being wants to live and avoid untimely death. Nobody likes suffering. Therefore do not inflict suffering on anybody. This is non-violence. This is equality." "In happiness or suffering, in joy or grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self. We should, therefore, refrain from inflicting upon others such injury as would be undesirable to us and to develop equanimity towards all living beings and elements of nature in this universe".
In Jain culture, any ecological disruption is tantamount to a violent intervention into the well-knit web of universal life. Jain ethics regards misuse of any part of Nature as a kind of theft as it deprives life of its inherent autonomy and interdependence. “Take from the Earth only what you need. The Mother Earth will then be able to serve and support living creatures longer."
In a complete and comprehensive perspective, Jainism is Ecology and Ecology is Jainism. Ecology is the culture of interrelationship among living organisms and their environment. It encompasses the entire universe - the Earth, the solar system, sun, moon and stars, the geosphere and hydrosphere, the atmosphere and the biosphere. Living organisms are to co-exist with these forces of nature in an ambience of Ahimsa for a peaceful and durable future of the universe.
The integrated linkage between Ahimsa & ecology is reflected all around us. A river does not drink its own water, a cow does not drink its own milk, and a tree does not eat its own fruits. Life grows only because of such mutually supportive generosity and understanding. Non-violence in the first place benefits the person practicing it and it is up to him to practice it and inspire others to do
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner (20)