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1. Ahimsa or Nonviolence in thoughts, speech and physical act) 2. Achaurya or Non-stealing 3. Satya or Truth 4. Brahmcharya or Celebacy (controlling sex, sensual, pleasurable
desires and wants) 5. Aparigraha or Non-accumulation or non-possessiveness (learn to be
content and living simply with fewer worldly items)
Out of these five great vows Ahimsa (Nonviolence) and Aprigraha are directly connected to ecology.
Ahimsa or Nonviolence: The doctrine of Ahimsa or Nonviolence encompasses both human and nonhuman (plant and animal) lives. It also embraces non-living entities like lakes, swamps and all ecosystems that can be damaged by various human activities. Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. lains believe they are accountable to the nature and by spiritual biological inference to themselves, to their families and to their community. As a viable model for ecological thinking, Jainism promotes a constant expansion of limits of compassion. For Jains, ecology is as much about action identifying and solving problems, as it is about introspection. Ecologically, Jainism is thus about stewardship, requiring human diligence, human conscience and human love. Ecological principles of Jain philosophy are to conserve and preserve our environment through the principle of nonviolence.
For Jains, ecology is as
much about action identifuina and solvina problems, as it is about
introspection. Ecologically, Jainism is thus about stewardship,
requiring human
diligence, human conscience and human
Love. Ecological
principles of jain philosophy are to conserve
and preserve our environment through the principle of nonviolence.
According to Jainism, all living beings have souls and all souls are potentially equal. Jains respect all life. Living beings depend on each other and on nature - their environment. Each species has its unique place and role in the scheme of things. Thus all life is sacred. All living beings are entitled to live under the principle of "Live and let live". According to the Jainism all living beings are equal. It means killing of any kind of living being is prohibited. Maintain the natural balance by following the principle "Live and let live" as all lives are interdependent. Do not deforest the jungles by cutting trees. "Your feet are killing us" is a cry from the grass.
Jains have believed in not plucking the flowers from the plants. Naturally fallen flowers on the ground under the plant may be offered to the God during the Pooja.
Many Jains do not eat vegetables and plants during certain days of the month, such as Atham, Chaudash (8th or 14th days of moon cycle) days. Jains also eat prior to sunset as insects can fall in the food after it gets dark.
Water contains many lives and supports many lives. Hence, Jains are required to use water sparingly. Unnecessary use of water is to be avoided. Using only required quantity of water is advised. Dish washing with water running is against teachings. Dish washing in a bucket is recommended. Similarly, water needs to be conserved while taking shower. Minimizing
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
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PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
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