ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 286

SCHOOL
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय
परमे
STUDIES
ES20
The above description about ahimsa is abundantly available in Prakṛit, Hindi and Sanskrt literature and even in literature of other languages. These have been described in different scriptures. Besides a number of preceptors and scholars have written easy, crisp and detailed commentaries on ahimsa. It is worthy of being practiced and followed. Qualities of the soul are existent in all living beings. They need to be invoked. All persons know everything but they are not able to implement their knowledge which is due to lack of spiritual teachers. As chairman of Human Rights Commission first in Himachal Prades and now in Rajasthan, I saw that most of the people do not work with a sense of duty and dedication. There can be many reasons for this situation. But this is also a hard fact that if the officers of different government departments work with full responsibility in the existing circumstances accompanied by citizens behaving with others in a manner they want to be treated themselves, then the human rights will not be suppressed. Along with this we can rejuvenate our ancient and worthy to be followed Indian culture for the welfare of all. Hence this is my humble effort and contribution to compile the doctrine of ahimsa in various religions of India. It is also a truth that every Indian with his constructive thinking, self knowledge and efforts should understand the doctrine of ahimsa and practice the same in their daily life along with the knowledge of their rights and duties.
All religions have adopted ahimsa in one form or the other. Ahimsa is a thing not just for discussions and writing in the books but for practice in our daily life. Ahimsa is a search for truth and a universal law. It is essential for a better society t ensure that rights of its members are protected. Every citizen should be enthused for the unity, integration of India. Along with the government every citizen should be dedicated and concerned about right thinking and concerned about protection of every body's rights and duties and implement the same. I expect that every citizens shall behave according to its own intellect, feeling of co-existence and co-operation perform his duties; treat other as he will like to be treated by others. Mutual conflicts and aversions, Intolerance, respect for religious beliefs of others, their thoughts if seen with anguish generate confrontation and mutual distrust. Hence, keeping Anekant doctrine which is called right belief or vision in mind, positive thinking and observing ahimsa in thoughts and action, one can stop suppression of human rights for self and others. Ahimsa is the supreme good conduct which results in purification of one's soul also. Ahimsa encourages its practitioners to adopt a path leading to happiness by practicing forgiveness, compassion, friendship, tolerance and humility. Practicing ahimsa automatically results in protection and implementation of human rights and the well known saying 'Ahimsa parmo dharma becomes a reality.
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