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[The Jain Principle of Ahimsa
he could not get the elephant and the necklace, for which he had waged this fearful war. Cheda kept his promise. The ele. phant had already burnt in the fire, and the necklace was taken by the God, who had given it to Shrenika. Kaunika then returned to his capital in utter hopelessness.
The readers should bear in mind that the Indras rend. ered their help to Kaunika not bacause it was justifiable but bacause it was a matter of friendly act. A very powerful Shravaka named Varna-Naga Natuva also fought on the side of king Cheda. He knew all the principles of spiritual knowledge and was so much devoted to his religion that even the gods could not disturb him in the performance of his religious duties. Since the day he had embraced Jainism, he had made it a rule of his life to practise the 'Bela' penance regularly. He showed his ability by adhering to his vow even during the war-time. The day, when he received the orders to present himself in the battle-field, was his parana-day. He did not leak his fast on that day, but commenced his "Tela' penance instead. He fought very bravely on the battlefield and eatablished an example that Jainism gives shelter to all except the cowards. The above battle is a proof of the fact that Jainism gives complete freedom to its layman for the protection of his life, wealth, wife, religion, relative or dependent. A true Jaina does net fight for gaining selfish ends on the pretext of protecting the innocent, on the other hand, he does not run away from the battle-field, if he is challenged to fight by his enemy who himself is at fault.
THE JAIN PRINCIPLE OF AHIMSA.
In this world many indigenous religions like Brahmanism and Budhism and foreign religions accept 'Ahimsa'
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