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JAINISM & ECOLOGY
Summary: Jainism and ecology are both related. Environment conservation and preservation are part of the Jain religion principles. Jains have always supported and preserved the environment with their practices and philosophies. In this article Jain principles and it application in the day-today activities to preserve the environment are explored.
Navin Shamji Dedhia navindedhia@hotmail.com
Introduction: Ecology is a science of the interaction and relationships between living organisms and their environment. Our body is made up of the following five key elements (Panch Maha Bhuta):
Navin S. Dedhia is a former President of
the Jain Center of Northern California
in Milpitas.
He resides at 5080 Bougainvillea Drive,
San Jose, California 95111.
1. Earth (Prathvi) 2. Water Wal or Pani) 3. Air (Vayu) 4. Fire (Agni) 5. Space (Akash)
All five elements are connected with our activities in a number of ways. We, human beings, are to be blamed to contaminate or pollute the environment (air, water, earth) with harmful substances knowingly or unknowingly. Today there is a great concern for air, water, earth, noise and magnetic pollution and efforts are aimed at conservation and preservation.
The Sanskrit word for religion is Dharma, which literally means nature of thing. Another meaning of the word Dharma is duty. Religion teaches us to understand and realize our true nature. It also reminds us of our duties. Religion is the means for advancement leading to the utmost happiness. One, which can show humanity, is religion. Religion essentially is the science of living - supporting and sustaining life. These features are common to all religions while there are other characteristics that distinguish Jainism from other religion. Jain religion is unique in this sense. Jain religion supports the scientific and practical principles. Nine elements (Nav Tatva) and six matters (Dravya) are real essence of Jainism describing unseen, unimaginable and unthinkable matters of physics. It teaches us to find practical solutions by examining each situation, problem or concept from a variety of viewpoints. Freedom in all spheres of life, open enterprise and competition has resulted in serious adverse impact on the environment. A rampant greed, pursuit of materialism and sensual pleasures have impacted environment severely. Our Teerthankars foresaw the impact of pollution on the environment and human beings. They laid out the basic principles of Jainism to preserve and conserve the world resources.
The five great vows as laid out by Bhagwan Mahavir, our 24h Teerthankar are:
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