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Bhagawan Mahavir ]
[ 475
lete Ahimsa are called Grihasthas Shravakas, Aunvratis and Deshavratis (i.e. house holders etc.) etc. He, who has not developed the power of resisting worldly temptations and allurements, is required to proceed gradually along the path of Ahimsa. He should try to sacrifice his selfish interests more and more and to abstain from such cruelties as killing, beating and scolding of living beings as far as possible. So long as he is a Grihastha, it is his duty to protect the family, the country and the religion; such practical Himsa cannot spoil his vow of Ahimsa. Not doing one's duty leads to moral ruin, and moral ruin is nothing but formal Himsa, for it kills the high virtues of the soul. one thing that is binding on evey devotee of Ahimsa is that he should refrain from committing Himsa for selfish ends. It is on account of this very reason that where Jaina Religion advises kings to practise Ahimsa, it also permits them to fight against an enemy for the protection of their kingdom and their subjects, and, of course, many Jain kings did defeat their enemies an the battle field. The Jainas make only two considerations for such wars, first, that the war should not be waged for self-interest and second by, that the enemy should not be faultless. When it is decided that the enemy is guilty, first other measures than war should be used for bringing him to the right path before waging war against him. It was for this very reason that in ancient times a messenger was sent to know the wish of the other party before the war began; for if the enemy could come to the right path even without war, it was so far so good. This rule of Jain Ahimsa was prevalent throughout India at that time. Take for example the war-craft of the Rajputs. They never attacked the enemy
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