________________
I AM MAHĀVĪRA
47
first, but it denatures the atmosphere in the society also. We should
abandon the determinate violence and try to make an effort for a
healthy society. "I said.
"O Lord, please tell me some thing more about nonviolence". Sinha said.
"The non-violence is a boon in the current environment. It
has been promoted and praised by the Lord Pārswanātha- my
predecessor and the Upanisadic texts. This is the mother of love. It is the symbol of brotherhood. This is the force for the happiness
and health of the individual and the society. Imagine the
relationship between a father and his son. The father always thinks about the prosperity and well being of his son. He beats him but his
mind is always full of his welfare. This natural thought and activity
of affection is what is called the real non-violence. We should
behave the same way with our neighbors and the society in general as we behave with our parents and relatives. The non-violence is a mentality and an activity."
"There is need for the alleviation of the system of slavery. The society will be highly benefited if we improve the current
status of women. That is why; I have also admitted celibacy as a
form of non-violence. A truly non-violent person will practice celibacy. Without it, there is currently no way to improve the welfare of the society. This is why; I also admit and postulate five forms of practical and positive religion non-violence (love), truth,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
