Essence of Jainism

Author(s): Jyoti Prasad Jain
Publisher: Shuchita Publication Varanasi

Page 40

supreme lesson of ahimsa rings out from every chapter and verse of his life. He believed in non-violence not merely in bodily action but also in word and thought. He and after him, the Jaina saints who followed in his footsteps never tired of reawakening humanity to its duty towards itself as well as other living beings. Ahimsa, the first principle of higer life, is to be the rule of all conduct. Life is sacred in whatever form it may be found to exist. Jainist culture stands for universal well-being and for universal brotherhood. Its aim is spritual uplift and ultimate perfection of the soul; hence it enjoins on its followers the greatest selfcontrol. It deprecates the action of those who for their selfish end, pleasure, wanton wilfulness, or even by careless or rash conduct, hurt other's feelings or deprive them of their life-forces. To treat others. as one's own self is Mahavira’s principal teaching. Once this truth is realized all other questions are easily solved. The end can pot
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