________________
Ahimsa Culture and Human Evolution
after II World War, the United Nations was born, embodying his ideal of world without war: 'no threat or use of force', are the words used in the U. N Charter. The symbol in front of the U. N. in New York is, 'beating the sword into a ploughshare', a bibilical expression.
Of course, historically speaking, the Indian Emperor Asoka of Pāšaliputra (modern Patna) of the third centry B. C., a convert to Buddhism, gave up arms in a remorseful mood after his bloodly conquest of Kalinga (part of modern Orissa). Thereafter, he ruled over practically the whole of India for forty years without a single war and was instrumental in spreading the gospel of Buddha, of peace, of compassion to animals and stopping of animal sacrifice and so on. He sent out Dharmamātyas, messengers of righteousness to countries outside India. His several edicts stand witness to his greatness not so much as emperor, but as an upholder of righteousness, based on the doctrine of Ahimsā, of the Sambuddha Buddha...
It would be a matter of some research to find out examples of individuals and groups in other countries of Asia and Europe who swore by Ahiinsa at least in some of its aspects, especially non-injury to life. Many of the altruistic disciplines of Christianity bear witness to this principle either as part of austerity or as exemplifying Jesus and his gospel of non-resistance. The lives of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Augustine and other mystics can be quoted as following broadly, not merely the negative aspect of non-injury but the positive aspect also of the service of the poor and the suffering.
In modern times, Dr. Albert Sweitzer's principle of 'Reverence for life' can he said to be a partial paraphrase of the doctrine of Ahimsā. Though it seems to be a far cry before Ahimsa in its fullness and glory, penetrates through the heartless crust of the economic and political life of the people of our planet, signs are not wanting of the appreciation of the necessity of owing allegiance to AhimsaNon-violence-Love as a working principle for humanity for taking the next step in its evolution. Soulless science and utterly mechanistic technology in the service of man's lust for pleasure and passion for power over men and matters has led man to a precipice, alienating him from himself, from his society and from the finer and nobler treasures of his own inner being. A recovery of a fundamental nature awaits him. In what other form can it salvage humanity except in the realisation of oneness, identity and love, which is another name for Ahimsa !
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
