ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 48

B.5.3
Comprehensive Concept of Ahimsā and it's Application in Real Life
D.R. Mehta
1.0 Introduction Ours is the age of reason. Asymmetrically ours is also the age of violence. Never before in the human history there was so much of violence. Relationships at individual, social, national and international levels are often afflicted by violence, in degrees large or small. In such situation generally the reactive remedy adopted is violence without realizing that violence begets violence, which in turn, generates further violence. Therefore, there is a need for a workable and effective alternative to break this chain of violence. Ahimsā or the opposite of violence, properly understood and sincerely implemented, may be such a relevant option for ensuring harmony, survival and dignified living. Ahimsā is also a way of conflict resolution.
While many philosophical and religious systems have referred to Ahimsā or some of its forms and essence; Jainism developed this principle of Ahimsă adopted it as the primary doctrine and detailed it to the minutest levels or practice. The growth and content of Ahimsa in Jainism is such that Albert Schweitzer, one of the greatest humanitarians that the world has produced, state thus in his book - Indian Through and its development.
“The lying down of the commandment not to kill and not to damage is one of the greatest events in the spiritual history of mankind.... So far as we know it is for the first time clearly expressed by Jainism".
Late Dr. D.S. Kothari, a great Indian scientist, in a similar vein, observed that the history of Ahimsā is also the evolutionary history of mankind.
2.0 Concept of Ahimsā Before proceeding further it may be appropriate to dwell on the concept of Ahimsa and its applications to real life situations. Ahimsā is a benign and benevolent concept. It is an expression of compassion. It means reverence for life. It is recognition of the personality and accompanying dignity, naturally due to all living beings. Alongside this lofty and altruistic connotation, Ahimsā on the other negative implies non-killing and non-harming. This is equally important. Ahimsā is a combination of empathy and abstention. Thus it is a comprehensive concept. However, quite mistakenly some of the thinkers, and believers,
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