Atmanandji Jainacharya Janmashatabdi Smarakgranth

Author(s): Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Atmanand Janma Shatabdi Smarak Trust

Page 99

(S. P. Badami
B. A. Ll E
Retired Judge Small Causes Court.)
Thinsa
A great misconception prevails amongst non-Jains in connection
with the doctrine of Ahimsa set forth in the Jain scriptures. Persons who have made only a superficial study of this doctrine are inclined to run it down by saying that it makes men coward, and utterly unfit for making any progress in this world. But when the doctrine is understood in its true philosophical as well as practical aspects, one feels convinced that the inference so drawn is baseless and fallacious.
I do not propose to deal here with the philosophical aspect of the doctrine instructive and interesting though it is. I would only say that the doctrine is based on the all-accepted salutory rule of Universal brotherhood not only of all human beings but of all living beings, beginning from those endowed with one sense only to those endowed with all the five senses and mind. So considered, the doctrine of Ahimsa will be accepted as the highest Dharma and the only true path to salvation.
From the practical point of view, this doctrine of Ahimsa is not quite rigid, its operation necessarily varies with the circumstances of each individual soul. An ascetic who is far advanced in his power of self-control in comparison to a layman, and whose sole object in life is to seek development of the true characteristics of his soul as well as those of other living beings, practises Ahimsa absolutely, but it is impossible for a layman to do so. Naturally the latter cannot be expected and is not enjoined to observe the rules which the former is able and is enjoined to observe. In order that there may not be any practical difficulty in the observance of rules of Ahimsa by a layman, they are very wisely framed differently from those framed for ascetics who care only for the advancement of their souls. When this difference is borne in mind, one's misconception in connection with Ahimsa at once vanishes.
Ahimsa is negation of Himsa, which means according to Jain tenets "Separating the life-forces through negligent activities ( प्रमत्त योगात्
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[ Shree Atmaramji