Book Title: JAINA Convention 2017 07 Edison NJ
Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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Page 143
________________ ਰਵੀ ਤੇ ਵੀਰ ਦਾ ਵੀ ਵੀਰ ਵੀ ਤੇ ਵੀ ਹੋ ਵੀ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਰਵੀ ਤੇ ਵੀ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ ਤੋਂ ਵੀ JAINA CONVENTION 2017 Doing well by doing good, care for the environment By Sulekh Jain The Jain hand symbol signifies friendly re-assurance and the ethical responsibility of every individual. The word AHIMSA (non-violence) appears in the center of the palm. Jain ontology states that the soul can be found not only in humans but in gusts of wind, sparks of fire, in flowing waters, in plants, in microbes, and in rocks and stones and soil, as well as in insects, reptiles, birds, marine life, and mammals More than 2500 years ago, Lord Mahavira proclaimed a profound truth for all times to come when he said "One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them". The ancient Jain aphorism "Parasparopa graho Jivanam (interdependence)" means that all life is bound together by mutual support and inter-dependence. This is refreshingly contemporary in its premise and perspective. It defines the scope of modern ecology while extending it further to a more spacious home. It means that all aspects of nature belong together and are bound in a physical as well as metaphysical relationship. All living things are connected in nature, dependent on each other for continued survival. Life is viewed as a gift of togetherness, accommodation and assistance in a universe teeming with interdependent constituents. For each of us, life includes birth, reproduction and death - with each group of living organisms having its own unique life cycle. Some living things have a short life span. While several other species have life cycles lasting hundreds of years. In order to survive and grow, all organisms need to adapt to their habitat, have their basic needs met and overcome many obstacles. If environment changes occur more quickly than some organisms can adjust, such as sudden changes in climate, the survival and reproduction of certain living things may be impacted. These days the survival of the planet, and in fact of the entire human and non-human race, depends on the planet we live on (Jains call it Jambu Dweep). 143

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