JAINA Convention 2003 07 Cincinnati OH

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 61

religious traditions, but only in Jainism is it given paramount importance. The Tirthankaras recognized that all beings' souls are the same regardless of the body they inhabit. Underneath the karmic matter is a pure soul whether one is a grasshopper or a human being. Most of the time we confuse the body for the soul. But Jain philosophy teaches us that soul is primary and all souls are important. Simply because one soul inhabits the body of a chicken does not make that soul less important. It is better to strive to help other souls and not hurt them. Vegetarianism is a small but effective step that helps us to minimize violence towards other beings. It is a great place to start, but Jain philosophy teaches us that if we are to realize our soul we need to go further. We need to purify our thoughts towards others and ourselves. We need to realize that when we harm others, we harm ourselves. There are many things we can do or refrain from doing that will truly help us and ultimately help others through example.
Everything in Jainism ties into the idea that we are independent beings that are responsible for our own destiny through our thoughts and actions. So we can understand why it is important to be non-violent. The Jain code of conduct is based on non-violence totally, because this is the only way to begin on the path to liberation. For instance, why is it important to be truthful? Through lies, we hurt others with our words and then we hurt ourselves. Why should we not steal? Isn't stealing also a form of violence?
What about wrong thinking? What if we think we are better than others. These are forms of violence in and of themselves, and they lead to greater forms of violence in our actions. Anekantavada helps us to act non-violently
towards others by allowing us to see things from a different perspective. All religious paths give us rules, and most attribute them to a higher power.
In my heart, I knew from the beginning that Jainism was the true path. Once I realized that only Jainism was so thorough in providing us with a path to liberation and ultimate happiness, I knew in my mind it was the true path. I still am inspired by other religions and study them to learn more about them. They help me to be able to relate to others and gain additional viewpoints. They enrich me, but I personally find that Jainism is so much deeper in all respects.
We pretend we don't notice, but we are souls. So how can we help but notice? For me, Jainism is extremely practical. Jain meditation has provided tremendous power in my life. It has a cleansing quality that bathes my soul. It allows me to see the potential God in all living beings. I find that I am able to remove negative thoughts and emotions. I feel happier in my daily life. I still have challenges, but I view them in a different light. I know when I ignore my soul, I suffer. I have realized that when I neglect meditation or somehow break any of the principles of Jainism, the consequences tend to show themselves very quickly. It can be a struggle at times doing what we know is right, but it is also very rewarding. In any case, Jainism allows us to realize that everything is a choice. This is a very powerful idea that can and will transform our lives if we remember and practice it. Gabriel Figueroa is an editor for American Vegan Magazine. Though raised in a Catholic family with roots in Guatemala, he has closely followed Jainism for six years. Mr. Figueroa has studied philosophy and Asian Studies extensively and works in the marketing of hardware and software technologies.
Jain Education Intermational 2010_03
Jain Education Interational 2010_03
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