Book Title: Essence and Spirit of Jainism
Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

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Page 11
________________ Ahimsa Bhagwan Mahavira has said : ;; सम्वे जीवा वि इच्छन्ति जीविउ न मरिज्जिउं Savve Jeeva Vi Ichhanti Jeeviu N Marijjium *. The instinct of self-preservation is universal. Every animate being clings to life and fears death. The universe is not for. man alone, it is a field of evolution for all living beings. Live and let live is the motto of Jainism. Life is sacred, not only irrespective of caste, colour, creed or nationality, but it is sacred to all living beings-at all levels-right down to the tiny ant or the humble worm. There is not an inch of space in the Universe where there are not innumerable, minute living beings. The entire Universe is full of living beings. A man cannot even sit quietly and breathe without killing and harming life around him. Then the question will arise-How can a man live in this world without taking life and thereby committing violence ? Life at this rate will become impossible.

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