Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

Author(s): Vijaylakshmansuri, Ghanshyam Joshi, Kirtivijay Gani
Publisher: Mohanlal D Mehta

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PREFACE
Ahimsa to householder for instance killing to its minimum limit in self defence, in battle against aggressor and in the prosecution of daily life where Ahimsa has to be modified in the act of cutting trees and vegetables and cooking them, in the process of farming food grain is obtained by growing food plants. Cutting of such plants and vegetables is inevitable and for maintenance of life and to that extent the principle of Ahimsa has been modified.
Killing of animals such as bulls, cows, goats, fish and other creatures for good and for religious sacrifice are totally prohibited in Jain Religion.
The principle of Ahimsa is given much wider meaning. For instance to give trouble to others or to think ill of others, to hate others is also prohibited. Bad deeds and thoughts create adverse reaction in the soul of the person with the result that he is to suffer consequences in life in some form or the other, sooner or later. This process of action and reaction is accepted universally by philosophers and the act of killing would create the worse reaction on the soul with far reaching adverse consequences.
Jain Religion, though most ancient as it is, is the most misunderstood religion. The principles and philosophy of Jain Religion are misrepresented also. Therefore, it is the duty of every Jain who has conquered all desires and senses to study Jain religion in all its aspects and remove misunderstandings from the minds of non Jains. In this respect an effective centre in every important country be established for the studies of Jain religion to propagate the principle of Ahimsa. It will create more good effects on the minds of Western Scholars who are showing more attention and respect for the Jain religion. Advanced countries such as U.S.A., England, France, West Germany, Italy and Switzerland are the countries worth considering to establish Jain Centres. Roman Catholic Religion admits worship of Idols of Lord Christ and other saints and the 10 commandments of Saviour Jesus Christ, are similar to those of 12 holy observances called Var Vratas of the Jains. It is said that Jesus Christ in his early boy-hood has visited India to study Eastern Religions, Vedic Religion, Buddhism and Jain Religions. This claim is denied by Western Scholars. Even then there was scope to study Eastern Philosophy in the land of Palestine where Eastern Scholars were living for generations.