Int Jain Sangh NJ 2003 04 Mahavir Jayanti

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

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Beyond Violence: Teachings of Jainism
-Naresh Jain
During the 20th century we just completed, leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Nelson Mandela achieved historical social changes in several countries through the heroic adaptation of nonviolence in their approach. They had shown the power of the spirit that nonviolence is stronger than violence as well as that in fact it eliminates so much of violence. Unfortunately, right in the beginning of this new millennium, we have already witnessed disastrous acts of violence. These events have shattered the peace of thousands of families. This is the moment in which our religious values, beliefs and commitments are put to test.
Jainism is one of the ancient religions of India. The most notable feature of Jain ethics is the insistence on ahimsa or non-injury to all forms life, mentally, emotionally, verbally or physically. The closest word to ahimsa in English would be nonviolence. As violence in thoughts precedes violent words or actions, the strict observance of nonviolence requires extreme caution in all activities. Just as non-darkness would mean light all around, nonviolence would lead to universal love. This attitude makes a person humble and peaceful in living with other beings.
Jainism places great emphasis on the principles of Open-mindedness or Anekantvaad. The truth is the knowledge of reality which can be seen from different perspectives such as time, place and also from its relationship with others. According to this philosophy, the absolute truth is the sum total of all different viewpoints. It trains the mind to respect the views and feelings of other persons. It makes them tolerant, respectful to others, and secular.
In the aftermath of the acts of violence, revenge would be a natural reaction. But the wisdom lies in the ability to control that reaction. The philosophy of Jainism has flowed through the experience of human individuals like Mahavir, who found the causes of violence, and then controlled and conquered those passions. The conduct based on his teachings would lead to virtues such as tolerance, peaceful, respectful and harmonious relations; maturity, wisdom, as well as care of our earth. These ethics can potentially avoid enormous funds that are spent on security, defense and environmental clean ups which can be utilized for the welfare of the less fortunate worldwide.
In modern life we tend to look at things materialistically and try to find comfort in wishes and wants. We live in a society of worldly temptations where it is easy to ignore the soul. We are increasingly replacing human contact by electronic contact. There are opportunities to become wealthy. If we do not control ourselves, then the ever increasing wants will wakeup the army of inner passions. This would tend to lead to dishonesty, corruption, and shady deals which will end up in harming others. If we cultivate self accountability and discipline, and then conduct business with good and ethical means; it would result in honest management, trustworthiness and peaceful relations. The wealth thus acquired would become a means for philanthropy.
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