Doctrines of Jainism

Author(s): Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi
Publisher: Vallabhsuri Smarak Nidhi Godiji Jain Derasar Mumbai

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The Doctrines of the Jainas
Now, in waging this greatest of all wars there comes a temptation: because we do not like to fight our own vices, the force of violence (Himsa) inherent in our lower nature finds ways and means to gain expression and outlet and so we become violent to others. Violence in deeds and words, in emotions and thoughts. Myriad are the expressions of violence. In many ways we use violence: there is violence at home and at places of business as well as in recreation; there is civic violence; there is social and political violence; there is violence against classes and castes and creeds. National and international violence means wars. All widespread expressions of violence spring from the seed of violence in the lower man. And because we have within our carnal mind the seed of HimsaViolence, we attract to ourselves many types of violence from others—relatives and friends, employers and employees, and also from organized groups who use violence.
The Jaina foundational teaching is Ahimsa, and so it advocates very clearly the doctrine of "Resist not evil"; or, better-phrased, “Resist without resisting.” Others may be and are violent; true Jainas are prohibited from retaliation. So, the Dasha-Vaikalika Niryukti instructs definitely: "Subdue anger by forgiveness; conquer vanity by humbleness; overcome fraud with honesty; vanquish greed through contentment.”
The most prolific source of violence precipitating retaliation and generating hatred is speech. Words are living messengers and should be used thoughtfully. Angry speech, falsehood, bragging and the like are bad; but more dangerous, because more subtle and unrecognizable in their evil influence, are the words of persons who use religious lore for selfish ends.