ISJS Transactions 2018 07 To 09 Vol 02 No 03

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

Page 22

old divisions from the past are re-emerging. I especially ask Christians in communities throughout the world to offer a radiant and attractive witness of fraternal communion. Let everyone admire how you care for one another, and how you encourage and accompany one another.
Ahimsā: A World-Wide Practice ..... 15
However, from a purely scriptural perspective, the practice of non-violence is limited to only human interactions. Killing an animal or other living being for consumption is not viewed as a sin in itself. In 'Genesis,' God grants humanity 'dominion' over the Earth: 'God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground". This verse comprises what is called the Cultural Mandate,' the divine injunction in which God - after having created the world and all beings within it - bestows upon mankind the task of filling, subduing, and ruling over the earth. In this conventional interpretation, non-violence does not extend to animals or other living beings. Alternatively, though rarely discussed, the Cultural Mandate could be interpreted as 'to protect' or a responsibility to preserve these beings, rather than to use and consume them. This is a question worth pursuing further.
It can also be noted that in addition to ahimsā, Christ also speaks to the other jewels of Jainism. About aparigraha (non-possessiveness), he said: "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Through this verse, Jesus addresses the inverse relationship between possessiveness and spiritual potential, implying that those who live simply and eschew money and possessions beyond their basic requirements will be much more in tune with spirituality and it's Heavenly rewards.
Anekāntavāda (the multi-faceted reality, or the concept of relativity) can also be found in Jesus' key teachings, such as in the verse which has become the modern 'Golden Rule': "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." In essence, this verse guides the seeker to themselves determine what is morally right by sympathizing with others. The seeker understands what is right by opening their heart to the other being, not by consulting religious scripture or some expert. Thus, this teaching is relativist rather than objectivist, and places the seeker himself at the center of his own reality and understanding.
Islam and Non-violence
Like Christianity, Islam is another of the Abrahamic religions originating in the Middle East. Both trace their descent from the practices of the ancient Israelites and worship of the God of Abraham. Through its core teachings, the Islamic tradition also respects the sanctity of life. In the Quran, it is stated: “We decreed...that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done) in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind. And whoever saves one, it is as if he had saved mankind entirely."! The Prophet Muhammad discouraged violence whenever was possible and often suffered personal physical harm rather than retaliating against his oppressors.16