ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 01

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

Page 27

Mahāvīra has also explained the concept of Ahimsa in deeper philosophical terms as follows: "There is nothing so small and subtle as the atom, neither any element as vast as space. Similarly, there is no quality of soul more subtle than non-violence, and no virtue of spirit greater than reverence for life."
Acharya Chandanaji of Virayatana has interpreted Ahimsā thus:
"Ahimsā is a true and unconditional surrender of our own identity for the welfare of others. Ahimsā is not a mere principle of a particular religion; it is in consonance with the true nature (Vastū -Svabhāva) of all living beings."
1.3 Religion of Restraint and Detachment Aparigraha - the spirit and practice of restraint and detachment leading up to renunciation is very central to the Jain philosophy. Jain religion does not make renunciation as a compulsive principle for all followers, but offers a road map for it through steady progress towards limitation of one's wants, desires, needs and growing pace of detachment. The culture of Aparigraha is rapidly acquiring global relevance.
Humanity is caught up in the whirlpool of ever increasing wants, needs and comforts, interalia, on account of rapid strides in science and technology. This has increased human greed and envy, and has led to over-consumption as well as wasteful consumption and rapid depletion of earth's precious non-renewable natural resources.
Practice of “Saṁyama" (self-restraint) is vital in this age of unbridled consumerism, which often leads to over-indulgence, waste and abuse of resources. With increasing pressure of world population (which has already crossed the six billion mark) on limited global natural resources, the future holds out very grim prospects for survival. This is even more so when 75% of world's resources are benefiting only 25% of world's population living in highly developed countries.
Voluntary self-restraint is also imperative for fencing in the otherwise uncontrollable craving, passions and lust. Jain scriptures say that it is owing to attachment that a person commits violence, speaks lies, commits theft, indulges in lust, and develops yearning for unlimited possessions. Possessiveness and greed are the main causes of creating tensions in the life of individuals and societies.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0