First Steps to Jainism Part 1

Author(s): Sancheti Asso Lal, Manakmal Bhandari
Publisher: Sancheti Trust Jodhpur

Page 73

The Three Hallmarks 59
6. However, the functions plication of these hallmarks are distinct and marked. In non-violence the main aim is to avoid injury to all living beings. In self-control the operative part is control over body, mind and speech. Penance devotes itself to control the senses and the desires by practising austerities. The first two concern themselves mainly with stoppage of influx(Sanwar) of Karma into the soul and the last i.e. penance with separation (Nirjara)of Karmas from the soul primarily. As such though they are closely related to one another each has got a distinct function and identity to deserve mention as a separate hallmark. Now we can deal with each of these separately.
7. Non-violence Ahimsa-The first hallmark-No doubt brief mention of non-violence has been made in earlier chapters on Seven Fundamentals and Three Jewels which only underlines its importance and inescapability from every discussion of any aspect of)Jainism. And why Jainism alone? Every religion or creed or spiritual leader has preached non-violence in some form or other, or under some other nomenclature. First commandment that Moses got on Sinai was "Thou shall not kill". Christ preached Love and Mohammed taught Equality. The Buddha spread the message of kindness (Karuna). The same current of thought can be traced to the present day when all thoughtful people(e.g. Mahatma Gandhi) have been thinking in terms of non-violence, as the only real solution of world conflicts.
8. However, the importance given to non-violence by Jain prophets is incomparable anywhere else. While other systems made exceptions and permitted violence in the garb of religious pursuits or considering man as a favoured creature for whom other animals have to be treated as food, Jainism made no such concessions. Actually, one of the earlier Prophets-22nd Prophet Nemi renounced his wife and the world on knowing that animals were going to be slaughtered for his wedding.
9. The principle of non-violence in Jainism embraces not only humanity or the animal kingdom but also trees and vegetables, earth, air and water, as all these are considered as living beings with souls. As such they also feel pain when injured or destroyed