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Inclusiveness: Jainism places great emphasis on the principles of the multiplicity of views or open-mindedness (Anekaantvaad). It means that the perception of reality changes depending on the time, place, nature and the state of the viewer. What is true from one point of view can be open to question from another. The absolute truth becomes the sum total of all different view points that can make up the universe. This inclusiveness attitude leads to the acceptance and tolerance of other viewpoints.
Jain Education
Interdependence: According to Jainism, all life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence (Parasparopgraho Jivanam). Life is viewed as a gift, lived only with support, accommodation, and assistance from the interdependent web of all creation. Therefore, harming another living being inevitably means harming our selves. This teaching combined with the teachings on ahimsa, provides an important foundation for environmental ethic.
In the Jain symbol, the word Ahimsa (nonviolence) is in the center of the raised palm. It symbolizes blessings as well as to stop to review our activities to ensure that they do not hurt anyone. The wheel in the palm signifies that if we ignore our ethical responsibility, then like a wheel we will go round and round through ceaseless cycles of birth, life, pain, misery, death and rebirth.
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NAMOKAAR MANTRA Jain Prayer)
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
NAMO ARIHANTAANAM NAMO SIDDHAANAM NAMO AAYARIYAANAM NAMO UVAJJHAYAANAM NAMO LOE SAVVA SAHUNAM
ESO PANCHA NAMOKAARO SAVVA PAVAPPANAASNO MANGALAANAM CHA SAVVESIM PADDHMAM HAVAI MANGALAM
(I bow and seek inspiration from, the perfected souls, liberated souls, religious leaders, religious teachers; and all monks and nuns in the world. These five obeisances erase all sins. Offering this obeisance is the most auspicious of all benedictions.)
Ahimsa is.........
Avoidance of Harm Intended by Mind, Speech and Action
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PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
