JAINA Convention 2009 07 Los Angeles

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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15th Biennial JAINA Convention 2009
live happily. 10 Mahavir is trying to convey this important message that every living organism has consciousness, the core intrinsic quality of soul and has the feelings of pleasure and pain. If we understand the value of their lives, we will not humiliate them for self interest. The binding force with all is the soul, and that inner connectivity with all forms of life can support the survival of all species. Our Earth, consisting of infinite multitude living organisms, is not a personal property of any specific community, particular religion or nation. The feeling of possessiveness or attachment is the root cause of problems. There is an internal relationship between possessions, fear and cruelty.11 With the increase of possessions, there is an increase of fear and that leads to the decrease of the softness of heart, and man becomes very selfish in ignoring the well being of 1. others. We have to develop a culture of nonviolence and reverence of life. We have to work for non-violence and respect for life, for justice and solidarity, for truthfulness and tolerance, and for partnership and mutual respect and love. Freedom from fear is the essential cause of the practice of Ahimsa. A person who neither frightens nor is frightened by other living beings can be nonviolent.
Ecology - The Jain Way
until we share with others.13 Each of us has the equal right to share the resources and have a comfortable life. If 10% of the world's population consumes 40% of the natural resources, then the remaining 90% gets only 60% of that, thus making the rich richer and the poor poorer.
10 Acharang, 2/63
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Acharang, 5/32,34
12 Upasakdasa, 1/26,27
Mahavir has laid out a code of conduct for the householders to make their lives qualitative, disciplined and spiritually oriented by undertaking an inner conviction and commitment to apply certain vows. He had given an enlightened vision for peace, sharing equal rights, justice and solidarity of all humans with each other. Those vows are known as 'Anuvrat'14 which means small vows. They are as follows:
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Mahavir knew that to live in the world it is not 5. possible to completely stop violence without harming any form of living being. He suggested 6. two types of life styles one is monkhood and the other is the life of householders. The monks are 7. supposed to follow rigorous practice by complete abstinence from any form of violence, whereas householders should cut down the unnecessary violence. Violence has been categorized as necessary and unnecessary.' 12 In leading a domestic life and in self defense, it is often unavoidable that subtle living beings are harmed by householders. But they are supposed to mitigate the unnecessary violence created by negative emotions like anger, greed, passion, power and dominance. The concept of 8. minimization of necessary violence and curtailing unnecessary violence can become an efficient tool to preserve nature. Nature has provided food, 9. shelter and all the basic needs of life to us. Now it is our turn to look after nature. Sharing and caring enrich everyone's life with peace, happiness and harmony. Mahavir declared that there is no freedom from bondage unless and
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Ahimsa - practice of nonviolence, love and compassion, respect and reverence to all forms of life, refrain from intentional violence.
Satya - practice of truth, morality and values.
Asteya - practice of non-stealing, not taking anything which is not given or not one's share.
Svadar santosh - avoid sexual relationships except with one's spouse. Iccha Pariman limit one's possessions, practice contentment, charity.
Digvrata - constrain the expansion of business to promote local jobs, business. Upabhog-Paribhog pariman - minimize the quantity and numbers of things that are used everyday, reduce personal consumption. (This vow also elucidates the guidelines for undertaking certain prohibited professions that involve violence-the killing of animals, the production and sale of leather products, non-vegetarian food and animal-based cosmetics, torturing animals for fun, hunting, cutting trees, etc.)
Anarthadanda virti - abstain from harmful activities-not supporting the production of weapons, drugs.
Samayik - practice equanimity for peace of mind.
Desavakasik - practice these Vows rigorously for short period of time. Paushadhopavas living a day once in a year with complete detachment.
Dasvaikalik, 9/2/22
Upasakdasha, 1/24-44