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Jainism-The Worldwide Approach - Swasthishri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pandithacharyavarya Mahaswamiji
Jain Theerthankaras have taught us " How to live escorted by Dharanendra Yaksha and Padmavathi a violence free life". One of the key principles of Yakshi against the evil Kamata who wanted to Jain philosophy is practicing non-violence in every disturb the non-violent pathway is one example. day life by all Jains. By following the principle of Righteous behavior curbs the evil acts of violent Ahimsa (non-violence) one can achieve Moksha incidents. (Nirvana). He or she can gain such a success without harming any living being. It may seem like a difficult The influence of the philosophy of nonviolence path to follow, but in reality it is NOT difficult. Theis global. Many personalities of in various fields Twenty-four Theerthankaras faced some troubles adopted non-violence in their life to solve very as well in their lives but it did not discourage them difficult problems of societies. George Bernard from following the path of non-violence. They Shaw, Swami Vivekananda, Tolstoy, Raja Ram did not harm anyone under any circumstances. Mohan Roy, Vinoba Bhave, Albert Einstein, Mother We can say that the Ahimsa (Non-violence) itself Theresa, and Martin Luther King are some of the is a natural Virtue of all living beings and hence examples that reflect influence of Jain principles. can be called a Dharma (Religion). Aparigraha They all practiced and propagated the lifestyle of (Non-possessiveness) and ultimate practice of non- non-violence. violence are the specific characteristics of Jainism.
Anenvironment of non-violence makes everyone feel Some of the basic Jain fundamental principles, such safe, free of threats, and hence promotes unity of all, as compassion and forgiveness have been practiced irrespective of their differences. Societies practicing by other religious practices and traditions with large non-violence could be free of quarrels (sangharsha), followings. Power of self-control enables one to war or criminal acts leading to evolution of societies lead a peaceful, friendly, and harmonious life. There living in peace forever. All lawmakers and judges would not be any quarrel, hate and inhuman acts at always demand that everybody follow rule of law, all, if Jain principles, for example - Anekantvad which for most part promots respecting all and NOT (Multiplicity point of view) were used to resolve the harming others. The differences seem to vanish, due conflicts. Throughout the world fundamental Jain to respect and understanding of their perspective, principles are respected by all. That is why Mahatma even though you may not agree with them. The Gandhi too followed Jain philosophy of simple more we respect others the happier we feel. That is living and Ahimsa (non-violence) to successfully the essence of nonviolence. Globally inhuman acts liberate India from British rule. Violence leads to or criminal vandalism spoils the peace in society disturbance in all aspects of life. Socially violent and integrity of nation. attitude is harmful to all, including those who have such attitudes, and hence should not be permitted Righteous knowledge, character, action and and or acceptable. Human society needs cordial vision is essential. The pathway of nonviolence atmosphere making it possible for all to " Live and brings righteous thinking, positive character and Let Live".
harmonious relationship with neighbors. Safe and
secure life without fear achieves what we dream. If Ancient Jain scripts depict many upasargas (hurdles) we want to pursue our dreams, we have to adopt faced by the Theerthankaras. They all faced these nonviolent attitude. hurdles with dignity, and were victorious without any use of violence. Lord Parshwanatha being The philosophy of nonviolence enriches strength,
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