Gyandhara

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Saurashtra Kesari Pranguru Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

Page 329

GOMMENTRY ON NON-VIOLENCE
- Hemang Ajmera (M. Tech. in Aero Space Engg. from IT Mumbai. Currently in U.S.A.)
Introduction :
Non-violence is a universal principle acknowledged and accepted by all religions and philosophies Non-Violence enjoys a significant place in Jain religion. This is reflected by the fact that Ahimsa is the first vrat. The detailed description of Ahimsa found in Jain literature and aagams can run into several pages, infact several books. It is just not possible to cover every aspect here, therefore only few topics are touched.
Existence of non-violence :
The question is, does non-violence exist? Can anyone actually do non-violence? But how can one question the existence of non-violencewhen it is the principal vrat? Literally speaking, non-violence is derived from the word violence. "Non-violence" is just a "negation" attached to the word "violence". Same thing applies to its equivalent word in gujarati, i.e. ahimsa. Word "Aimsa" is also derivative of its counter word "Hinsa". One might think, whats the point I am trying to make by playing with words. Actually, non-violence does not exist. It is only the violence that exists. Have anyone ever heard someone doing non-violence. No one can ever do non-violence because, there is nothing to be done જ્ઞાનધારા
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