________________
Thus Gandhi's views seem to be based on pronouncement of Mahavira as placed above that forms the basis of Jain ethics. His interpretation of the Gita as Anasakti Yoga shows how dear Ahimsa was to him as he pronounced that the Gita shows the most excellent path of self realization by practice of Ahimsa.
Gandhi's biggest contribution to the world, besides independence of India, is the doctrine and application of Ahimsa and Anekanta (Doctrine of many-ness) of Jains for conflict resolution. Gandhi formulated Ahimsa into the active social technique, which was to challenge political authorities and religious orthodoxy." He developed the technique and called it Satyagraha or non violent resistance for truth which he applied very effectively. We shall discuss Satyagraha later on separately.
Social Applications of Ahimsa in Jainism Parasparo-graho-jivanam 2 or Live and let live and living beings cooperate with each other, derived from Jain concept that all souls are similar, wish to be happy and live. The differences between them are due to their karmic bondage. The problem arises when one values his independence (selfishness lego/arrogance) and ignores the same of others resulting in increased terrorism, vandalism, sexual/racial or economic exploitations etc. Ahimsa teaches that we have to behave with others as we would like to be treated by others. This is the essence of Mahavira's teachings. Mahavira designated social Ahimsa by sixty synonyms, such as equanimity, detachment, love, power, friendship, tolerance, forgiveness, compassion and so on.104 These are all positive aspects of Ahimsa which create a peaceful, blissful and tranquil environment for everybody to realize their full potential. Meri Bhavana by Jugal Kishor Mukhtar, a prayer recited by almost all Jains daily, shows the application of the principle of Ahimsa and Anekantavada in our
Pg.162 | Gandhi & Jainism
