ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

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

Page 24

A.3.1.1
Global Relevance of Jain Religion Dr. N.P. Jain
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SCHOOL
Jainism as a Religion of 'Ahimsa '(Non-violence).
Jainism as a Religion of 'Apanigraha' (Restraint and Detachment).
Jainism as a Religion of Environment.
Jainism as a Religion of Live and Let Live.
Jainism as a Religion of 'Anekanta' (Multifaceted Reality / Non-absolutism.
Jainism as a Religion of Vegetarianism.
OF
IAN STUDIES
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY,
1.1
Introduction
Jain religion has, over many centuries, survived the vicissities of history and the competing space claimed by other faiths in multi-religious and multi-cultural India. It may have today a limited following of around 10 million people only, but it has made an abiding impact on India's cultural heritage with its central focus on the practice of non-violence as life ethics. Jain religion has not been a proselytizing religion, but its compassionate philosophy has inspired ethical and humanitarian values in thought and conduct on individual as well as collective level.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
स्वाध्याय परमं तप
Global relevance of Jain religion and philosophy in contemporary times could perhaps be more fully appreciated if one looks at it broadly from six angles:
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1.2 Religion of Non-violence
Jain scriptures describe Non-violence as a supreme religion (Ahimsa Paramo Dharmaḥ). Mahatma Gandhi, the apostle of Ahimsa in the 20th century once said that there is no other religion which has explained and espoused non-violence as systematically and comprehensively in depth and detail in its applicability to life as Jainism. He interpreted Jain concept of Ahimsa as one bearing the courage of practising it. That is how he mustered the courage to take on the mighty British Empire, and successfully led India's unique non-violent struggle for freedom from colonial rule.
Martin Luther King was inspired by Gandhi's experiment with truth and non-violence. In his bus campaign at Montgomery, USA, Martin Luther King said:
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