Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

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

Page 77

In today's world, violence is raging - physical, mental, verbal and psychological. There is rampant fear, hatred, deceit, exploitation and oppression at individual, societal, national and international levels. If the world remains hostage to rabid terrorism and indiscriminate violence, how can any individual or society hope to live a life of tranquility, peace and inner as well as outer security?
More than ever before, the world needs non-violence - both its culture as well practice. It is not the weapon of the coward, but the courage of the brave and the upright. Martin Luther King (Jr.) has put it very succinctly:
"The choice today is not Between non-violence and violence, But it is between Non-violence and non-existence."
The “Gangotri” or the fountain source of Jain approach to the art of living is all comprehensive culture and practice of Ahimsa. Nonviolence (Ahimsa) strengthens the righi io kfcofevery living being. Its integral element non-absolutism (Anekant) strengthens ilic respect for freedom of thought of every individual.
Another integral element is Aparigraha, which strengthens freedom from attachment. Together the trinity of Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparigraha provide the framework for giving shape and content to the art of living. Together they fortify the foundations of synthesis, equanimity and tolerance. .: As expressed by Acharya Chandanaji of Virayatan: “Ahimsa is a true and unconditional surrender of our own identity for the welfare of others. Ahimsa is not a mere principle of a particular religion. It is in consonance with the true nature (vastu-swabhaav) of a human being”.
Humanity ushered in the 21st century with great expectations. However, as the Nobel Prize Winner Gabriel Marquez has observed:
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Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner *