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supportive coexistence among all living species. Relevance of Jain Philosophy to Contemporary Environmental Crisis
In an increasingly environment conscious, tension - ridden and harmony - hungry world, humanity is beginning to realise the significance of adopting as a way of life the three fundamental tenets of Jainism viz. Ahimsā (Non-violence), Anekunta (Non-absolutism) and Aparigraha (Non-possession). In essence Jainism is Ecology and Ecology is Jainism. (1) NON-VIOLENCE (AHIMSĀ) :
There is increasing awareness of the relevance of the Jain concept of "Active Non-violence" for universal sustainability. In Jain scripture, active Non-violence implies that: "A person should not act sinfully towards other living beings, nor cause others to act so, nor allow others to act so".
Non-violence is not limited to the stoppage of war and bloodshed. It must also stop human arrogance towards nature. In no other religions have thought action and expression covered together for non-violent behaviour and for evolving and environmental code of ethics that permeates every aspects of Jain Life. Mahatma Gandhi who drew inspiration from Jain Religion has observed : "No religion of the world has explained the principle of non-violence as systematically and comprehensively in its applicability to life as Jainism".
Jain Philosophy puts Non-violence at the pedastal of "Supreme Religion" - not simply in terms of an idealised thought process but equally as an action plan for orienting, day-to-day life at the individual, societal, national and international level for promoting harmony, accommodation, tolerance and compassion and eradicating animosity, hatred, intolerance, cruelty and exploitation (2) NON-ABSOLUTISM (ANEKĀNTA):
The culture of relativity in thinking brings about appreciation of multi-dimensional reality and sympathetic understanding of other related interpretations of facts, situations and events. Anekanta stimulates synthesis, open-minded unbiased understanding and harmonisation of different points of view. It strengthens in individuals and societies the fibre of tolerance, accommodation reconciliation and peace. (3) NON POSSESSION (APARIGRAHA) :
Aparigraha inculcates the culture of need in place of greed, of avoiding wasteful consumption and unbridled pursuit of materialistic pleasures, and of voluntary self-restraint and discipline in utilising nature's resources. Non-violence is incomplete without voluntary curb on human extravagence.
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Arhat Vacana, 14 (4), 2002
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