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15th Biennial JAINA Convention 2009
Ecology - The Jain Way
SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY: JAINISM All the venerable ones (arhats) of the past, Nalin K. Shastree
present and future discourse, counsel, proclaim, nalinkumarshastree@yahoo.com
propound and prescribe in unison - do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture
or kill any creature or living being.' Nalin K. Shastree is Professor of Botany, Magadh University,
Interdependence is: the Jain conviction of Bodhgaya, India. His interest in
Paraspargraho jivanam teaches that all forms of Jainology was inherited from his
life are bound together in mutuality and father, Late Professor Nemi Chandra
interdependence, irrespective of the degree of Shastree, a noted Jain scholar. He
their sensory perceptions. The concept of a has served in various capacities with several
constant number of souls present in the cosmos, institutions and universities, as well as held
ranging from the smallest micro-organism to various positions with social/religious
complex life forms such as human beings, with organizations in India. Professor Shastree has
various destinies and species, is suggestive of been a recipient of many awards for his research
interdependence in a closed ecological system. and contributions to the field of Jainology.
Non-violence (Ahimsa) is: the Jain philosophy is
virtually synonymous with the principle of Ahimsa. The environmental crisis is an outward manifestation of a crisis of mind and spirit.
Non-Attachment (Aparigraha) is: this nonLynton K. Caldwell
possessiveness is the mental attitude of non
attachment to possessions, objects and attitudes. Jainism aims at producing a better mind, less
For ascetics it is a vow of non-possession, for intensity of the passions, greater happiness and
householders it is vow of limited possession. This an increase in compassion, which aids in
aspect deals with avoidance of over exploitation protecting the environment. The Jain spiritual
or abusive or wasteful consumption, without ecology gives an insight into the nature and
disrupting the normal life at one end, and at the psychology of human beings through non
other, without interfering with the rights of violence, reverence for life, restraint and co
others. It suggests taking from the earth only operation of all, so that people do not to indulge
what we need; Mother Earth will then be able to in sinful or disturbing acts that harm the natural
serve and support all living beings longer. It is world.
related to the doctrine of renunciation, which is
not measured by the quantum of possession; Jayam chare jayam chitthe jayam bhase jayam saye,
rather is determined by the attitude of Jayam bhunjejj bhasejj evam pavam na vajjhaie.
dispossession towards one's possession. Non
attachment is a practice of self-restraint and This means that a person should walk, stand, sit,
voluntary control of wants, abstinence from oversleep, eat and speak conscientiously. If he/she indulgence and elimination of aggressive urges by does so, he/she is not bound to paap.
way of respecting others' existence. This
dimension inspires human beings to become Emotional consciousness is reflected in the spiritual agents for preserving the grace and concept of Leshyas. Purity in emotional dignity of Mother Earth and enhancing the consciousness changes the focus from I, me and productivity and vitality of earth as a natural myself to we and us, which is indeed the central phenomenon. point of the Jain Spiritual Ecology.
Aparigraha and austerities is: an emphasis has The foundations of Jain spiritual ecology are: 1) been laid down that wants should be reduced, emphasis on inner as well as outer purity desires curbed and consumption levels kept within signifying a non-violent life, 2) all moral and reasonable limits. This automatically ensures a ethical rules are equally applicable to all beings of good environment. the biological realm, 3) observing welfare of all living beings of the universe, and 4) true
Non-stealing (Achaurya) is: theft is the taking of friendship to all is an outcome of approach
anything which is not freely given. The doctrine is towards non-violence (Ahimsa), which is as comprehensive, covering the avoidance of follows:
dishonesty in all walks of life. In addition, it also rejects any encroachment over the rights of others.
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