Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

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

Page 85

While just the art of being kind
Is all this world needs"?
This is the message of Jain religion. There is inherent in Jain principles and practices an integrated view of universe, a spirit of universality, a deeply compassionate outlook, an all pervasive belief in live and let live and above all a down-to-earth stress on ethical integrity of thought, purpose and conduct. Its teachings far from being sectarian, dogmatic or mystical - have a universal relevance in the contemporary world. Its global perspective is a judicious blend of the scientific as well as the spiritual.
Jain religion is amongst India's and World's oldest religions. Twenty-four “TIRTHANKARAS" (The Path Finders) beginning with Lord Rishabhanaath and ending with Lord Mahavir (599527 BC) have guided its evolution and elaboration. It was under the inspiration and guidance of Lord Parshvanaath, the twentythird and Lord Mahavir the twenty-fourth Tirthankar that their senior disciples put the accumulated religious wisdom, experience, tenets and practices in a codified form.
The followers of Jain religion number over ten million, mostly residing in India. What may, however, appear statistically as a minority religion has throughout India's history made a refreshingly - distinct and abiding contribution to India's philosophy, culture and way of life. It has achieved this through its predominant emphasis in both thought and practice, on nonviolence, reverence for life in all forms, ecological harmony and balance, recognition of universal mutual support and interdependence, non-attachment to illusory materialism, propagation of vegetarianism and a non-egocentric out-look.
The three 'A's, Ahimsa (Non-violence), Aparigraha (Nonattachment) and Anekant (Relativity in thinking) constitute the basic core of the deeply compassionate Jain philosophy. Out of these basic tenets are inspired concepts like amity (maitri), compassion (Karuna) equanimity (madhyastha) and appreciation (pramod).
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner * (62)