ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 270

1. Ahimsa
Ahimsa had been given the supreme status in Jainism. Jains canons say:8
Savvesimāsmāņam, hidayam, gababho va savvsatthanam Savesim vadguṇāņam, pindo sārio ahimsa hu
SCHOOL
Like religion is the basis of the life style of its followers, so is the constitution of a country for its citizens to run all institutions effectively. Whereas the constitution of a country presents the aspirations of its citizens, so also it is the foundation to administer successfully the institutions of an independent country. The constitution of a country along with the different laws made on its basis contributes effectively to administer a welfare state.
OF
The constitution of a country clearly reflects the cultural, social, religious and economic ideologies. Jainism has a clearly visible impact on the social and economic set up of India. Hence it is naturally enshrined in the constitution of India. The five ethical vows (vratas) of Jainism have been described in simple language and adopted in the constitutional and legal framework of India.
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय
परमे
STUDIES
8 Agamtirth. Dr. Hariram Acārya, Prākṛt Bharti Academy Samsthan, Jaipur 1980 Pg 60-61
9 My experiments with truth. M.K. Gāndhi. Navjivan Press Ahmedabad 1957, Pg 238.
i.e. basis of all state of living beings in ahimsa, foundation of all scriptures is ahimsā, essence of all ethical practices is ahimsa and finally the essence of all virtues is ahimsā.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
Freedom struggle of India was fought with the weapon of ahimsa. It was the potency of ahimsa only that powerful British Empire was forces to leave India after bowing to the non violence freedom struggle of Gandhiji. Gāndhiji himself writes in his autobiography as 'Foundation of search for the truth is ahimsa. I experience every moment that till I achieve and realize ahimsa I cannot get to the truth itself'.
Ahimsa does neither create cowardice nor is negative doctrine. Not just have brave but only the most powerful can become a follower of the doctrine of ahimsa. 'Forgiveness if the jewel of the braves only' is the well known doctrine of Jains. Don't take revenge but change the
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