ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 208

B.1.3.1.1.2
Ahimsā/Non violence its dimensions and practices
Dr. Shugan Chand Jain
Preamble: Ahimsā is the sum and substance of Jain philosophy and its path of spiritual purification. It is not just non-killing as commonly understood but also includes non injury not only to others but more important to self also. Equating violence (himsā) to sin (pāpa) gives special status to Ahimsă in Jainism as it enhances not only happiness in the present life but even to attain heavenly destiny and the ultimate liberation from the cycles of transmigration. Ahimsā starts from the thought activity and then moves to the verbose expressions and lastly to the physical actions of committing violence. Picture-l shows the thought colourations of an individual in different states of mental dispositions while picture-Il depicts the Jain slogan of Live and let live. In this paper we shall briefly discuss the evolution of Ahimsā to its essentiality for our very survival as humanity and the ways we can practice it to make this world at least a non-killing society.
1.0 Evolution and definition of Non-violence in India's philosophical system: 1.1 Evolution of Non-violence: From the Vedic texts (app. 1500BC), we find that yajňas were the primary religious practices in India. Animal sacrifice and non vegetarian food were the popular religious and social customs.1 22nd Jain ford-maker Neminātha renounced the world and the family on the eve of his marriage to princess Rājula to show compassion to animals brought for slaughtering and serving at his wedding. He was the cousin of Lord Krşņa.
1
Around 1000BC we find cow's sanctity creeping in more for social and material benefits rather than spiritual. Thus passages on love of men and kindness to animals are found. 23rd Jain ford-maker Pārsvanātha showed compassion to the snake couple who were dying in fire; recited the Navakāra-mantra and the couple became Dharanendra and Padmavati as heavenly beings. Around 800 B.C. animal sacrifice disappeared. Emphasis was on inwardness of morality
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1 Evolution of Nov-Violence, by Dr. Manoj Jain MD. MPH. He is the convener of Non violence forum in Memphis Tenn USA. 2 Caubisa Tirthamakara Mahapurana by Br. Hari Lal Songarh
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