ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

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

Page 23

Terrorism Violence begets violence. Nobody can win lasting peace by use of force. The Chinese president while visiting US presented the book 'How to win war without fighting by Lao Tse'. In our own time, we have seen Mahatma Gandhi using Ahimsā, Aparigraha and Anekānta win freedom for India. To end terrorism, we have to first become self reliant and confident having faith in our belief in equality of all so that we can defend ourselves in all situations, understand the view points of all and use education, dialogue to resolve differences using the technique of give and take. Ahimsa and Anekānta (existence of opposing forces, reconciliation) will bring us closer to solving this problem.
Aids Jains propagate prevention is better than cure'. The five vows, especially celibacy as described in Jain texts and exercise of self-restraint to arouse or be aroused for sexual gratification can only solve this problem. We need to educate ourselves with the associated problems and the danger it causes to us, our future offspring and how we can prevent it by self-discipline / control to solve this problem greatly. Of course once inflicted, medical treatment is needed to treat it.
Conclusion: We see that Jain philosophy talks primarily of improving first the self, in worldly and spiritual matters, rather than make others improve first. Acharya Tulsi has beautifully described in one sentence 'By improving yourself, the family improves, by improving the family, the community improves, by improving the community the state and then the country and finally the world improves'. So Jains place the individual at the center of all activities to achieve the worldly and spiritual goals. For the Jain community, I feel we have to learn from history and see that excessive display of prosperity, feeling of well being and not sharing our wealth and way of life with others have to be given up as they are very important for our survival. The example of a fruit laden mango tree bending down so that the people can enjoy its fruits and the shade teaches us how to prosper and share. Similarly, we have to find non-violent means to protect ourselves from the so-called religious fanatics.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0