ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 87

SCHOOL
TIONAL
OF
AIN STUDIES
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY,
भाध्याय परम
A series of seven lectures was presented on evolution of the concept of Ahimsā, its historical
perspective, definitions and dimensions, causes of himsā (violence, aggression) and methods of its control and regulation as described and practiced in Jainism. These were followed by case studies on Vinoba Bhave, Mahatma Gandhi (3 sessions), and other leaders across the world practicing Ahimsa, group discussions amongst participants and lectures by eminent academicians on Ahimsa in different religions of the world. During the lectures discussions were held on Evolution of Ahimsa in different cultures and religions (beginning of civilization was on the basis of Ahimsa), brief overview of history and various fundamental aspects of Jainism and Jain way of life giving prominence to Ahimsa, samyama (selfrestraint), tapa (austerities or strenuous efforts), Concept and definition of Ahimsa and its application as Social Ahimsa (60 synonyms such as compassion, love, friendship, tolerance, discipline, service, forgiveness, equanimity etc) in Jainism, karma doctrine, anekanta and aparigraha, non-violent food and its impact on our thinking and health, basis of non-violent ethics and details (primary virtues, seven abstinence, six essential duties and five minor vows), case studies of Mahatma Gandhi (4 sessions) and tracing his concept of Ahimsa to Mahāvīra and to his (Gandhi's) Jain acquaintances (mother, Monk Bechar Das and Srimad Rajacand his spiritual guru).
The next three days were devoted to observation and interactions through field visits to schools (a Government aided old school in inner city, a private school in suburban area, a school on the outskirts of Delhi run as private school for village children, a top of the line private school run using latest psychological and teaching methods). Meditation camps were also organized along with visit to Gandhi museum and exchange of views with its director. The school visits showed that the practice of all aspects of Ahimsa and the central Jain slogan 'Right vision- knowledge-conduct together is an effective pathway to transform individuals into excellent human beings and endow them with very good moral values, and motivating them for betterment of education, social and emotional skills of individuals. There was a near unanimity that Ahimsa is universal with no boundaries for practice by poor or rich.
The study program for next five days was organized at Aligarh to expose participants to various other types of educational institutions and to provide time in a peaceful environment for detailed analysis, discussions and reflections on the observations and findings so far. The visits included a village school teaching use and applications of computers and other skills along with normal course work, a Boarding house where 100 young boys live together
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0