Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

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

Page 76

Human beings as the most superior, enlightened, rational and sensitive living beings on Earth need to realize that they have an obligation to fight for all life on Earth and not just for themselves. There is no cause more urgent, no dedication more fitting than to protect the future of our species in a peaceful, serene and healthy natural environment.
In this interdependent universe, the Jain art of living is anchored on taking less and less and giving more and more. One has to be caring and sharing and spreading out one's umbrella to protect others.
I recall a beautiful anecdote of Emperor Alexander when he came to conquer India. He had an encounter with a Jain Muni. He was puzzled to see that the Jain Muni attracted large and admiring audience wherever he went, while people feared Alexander.
So he asked the Jain Muni: "What is it that you have which I do not? I thought I had everything in plenty - wealth, power, luxuries and armies."
The Jain Muni replied: "I never take anything; I have given up everything. That is what I teach my followers. Learn to give more and more and take less and less. You, as an Emperor, have always taken from the people, but have given them nothing. You only loot and take away."
III
If life is like a blossoming tree, then Jainism regards the culture and practice of Non-violence (Ahimsa) as the mother root, which spreads its culture (Sanskar) all through the trunk, branches, fruits and flowers.
The culture is composed of tolerance (Sahishnuta), coexistence (Saha-astitva), compassion (Karuna), largeheartedness (Sahridayata), sympathy (Sahanubhuti), kindness (Daya) and forgiveness (Ksahma).
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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