Int Jain Sangh NJ 2002 04 Mahavir Jayanti

Author(s): Int Jain Sangh NJ
Publisher: USA International Jain Sangh IJS

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After Sept. 11, I have participated in several panel discussions. At the panel discussion 'Religion as Social Inspiration', on September 30, 2001, in the American Museum of Natural History, I briefly reviewed the basic teachings of Jainism, 'Ahimsa Parmo Dharma' or nonviolence is supreme religion. As nondarkness would mean light all around, nonviolence would mean love all around. The principle of 'Anekantvaad' or open-mindedness will make us more tolerant and respectful to others. The follow-up questions reflected a craving for the better understanding of the nonviolence principle. Observations were similar in the subsequent visits to the opening ceremonies of the World Museum of Religions in Taiwan, and talks at the Theosophical Society in New Jersey, and in the Surya Theosophical Study Group. During conversations with friends around the country, I gathered that after Sept. 11, Jain Center of Central Ohio had organized a Jain prayer and a tribute for the philosophy of Ahimsa in the Ohio Senate. Dr. Sushil Jain, Dr. Manoj Dharamsi, and Mr. Kanubhai Doshi in Washington metro area had participated in the memorial prayer at the Washington national Cathedral, in a CNN interview regarding Jain community reaction, and in several prayers for world peace and lectures in churches, mosques, interfaith, city, county and college gatherings. Mr. Pravin Shah had participated in similar programs in North Carolina. People are now more curious about exploring alternatives which could give more hope and better understanding.
Only two out of every 1000 people on this earth Jains, but their message is strong. A better understanding of the principle of nonviolence and respect for life will increasingly move the society toward a culture of peace and justice. The following of the teachings of Lord Mahavir would lead to the virtues such as tolerance, peace, respect, and harmonious relations, as well as care of our earth. These ethics can potentially avoid enormous funds that are spent on security, defense and environmental cleanups which can then be utilized for the welfare of the less fortunate world-wide. If we seize the moment and band together to foster the understanding of the philosophy of nonviolence- a gift of Jainism to make this world a better place for our children and grand children, then truly, this is the time for Mahavir.
"I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and nonviolence are as old as the hills. All I have done is to try experiments in both on as vast scale as I could."
----Mohandas K. Gandhi
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