ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 280

INTERNATION
SCHOOL
OF
परमे
42 Purüşärtha Siddhi Upaya, verse 44
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY,
Farenga
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
IAN STUDIES
तप
Non-possession is the real panacea to eliminate differences/discrimination. Non-possession and contentment are the extensions of Ahimsa. Freedom of thoughts is included in the freedom of expression which can be seen in the doctrine of Anekānta.
Even though Ahimsa is negation of violence, yet it is considered as proclamation of the right to live for all living beings, providing protection to them against exploitation and oppression, unemployment and provide freedom. It provides freedom from slavery and bonded labour. In its affirmative sense, it is the proclamation of happiness, friendship, compassion towards each other which is also the fundamental doctrine of human rights.
Ahimsa teaches us not to kill others, not to cause pain to others, not to cause hardship to others, not to exploit women and children and to protect them against infliction of pain. In short thoughts of being humane Ahimsa and welfare are incorporated in Ahimsa only.
According to Jain philosophy, friendship and compassion towards all living beings is Ahimsā, ācārya Amrit Chandra has described Ahimsa in great details. According to him Not only to kill anyone or to cause pain (through activities of mind body and speech) is himsā but even to tell lies, or to degrade others, to steal other's property, excessive lust and possession of material wealth and developing feeling of mine towards them are also included as himsā. Besides these to develop tendencies of attachment and aversion in one's own soul is also himsa 42 and absence of all these is Ahimsā.
To think of all others as equal to oneself and to treat them all well are also contained in the doctrine of Ahimsa. Consciousness pervades all livi9ng beings. Hence all jīvas are equal in terms of their nature and potential. All jīvas are full of intuition, knowledge, energy, penance and happiness. But they are unequal in terms of expression of these attributes which is the cause of perceived inequalities amongst living beings. But dependence is self inflicted by the living beings. Their violent and self destruction tendencies cause his dependence on others. But with his own effort and energy, he can free himself from these and attain bliss even.
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