JAINA Convention 2009 07 Los Angeles

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

Page 85

15th Biennial JAINA Convention 2009
Ecology - The Jain Way
JAIN WAY OF LIFE & ETHICAL
Ahimsa (Non-violence) is respect for life of all LIVING
living beings. Pravin K Shah
Aparigraha
(Non-possession/Noneducation@jaina.org
possessiveness) stems from respect for others' lives as well as the environment.
Anekäntaväda (Non-one-sidedness/OpenPravin Shah is the Chairperson of the
mindedness) is respect for the views of JAINA Education Committee. He others. directed the production of Jain education books used in the It is not possible to sustain human life with Pathshala curriculum throughout the absolute non-violence and absolute nonworld.
possession. The goal of Jainism is to minimize the
negative impact of our existence to other living Jain scriptures state that earth, water, fire, air beings and the environment. Jain texts state: and vegetation, which constitute the five basic elements of our environment, possess life. Human . A living being with five senses (animals, birds, beings are also blessed with advanced developed fish, etc.) feels maximum pain and their thinking as compared to animals. Therefore,
destruction involves greater violence. At the humanity is responsible for achieving oneness and same time, killing many-sensed beings has a harmony among all living beings including the
greater negative impact on the environment. environment, through compassionate living, and
A living being with one sense (plants and disciplined behavior.
vegetables) feels minimum pain and its
destruction involves minimum violence and it Lord Mahavir's entire life was full of compassion produces a minimum negative impact to the and was an example of how to live in perfect
environment. harmony with nature and provide utmost respect for the environment. Lord Mahavir made the Hence Jainism advocates vegetarianism. following profound statements of all times:
Please remember that if we consume dairy All life is bound together by mutual support products for our personal use we are responsible and interdependence.' (Tattvärtha sutra)
individually for our actions and the resulting 'One who neglects or disregards the existence karmas. However, we should reevaluate the use of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation,
of dairy products in the temples for religious disregards his own existence.' (Achäränga functions. We do not use root vegetables in sutra)
religious programs even though some Jains in 'We harm and kill other lives because of our North America may consume root vegetables at greed and possessiveness.' (Shrävakächär) home. Milk and other dairy products used for the
traditional rituals could be substituted with Since all lives are interconnected, one should alternatives vegan sources. realize that if we harm one, we harm all living beings. Greed, possession and possessiveness are The Jain way of life is very ethical and it also the primary causes of all violence as well as
respects and honors the earth and the imbalance in the environment.
environment. Our scriptures indicate that we
need to practice our religion based on time, place These ancient statements are refreshingly and the environment that we live in. contemporary in their premise. The main theme of Lord Mahavir's teaching is:
RRRRR808080
Doing our best at this moment, puts us in the best place for the next moment.
~ Operah
83