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Jain Society of Greater Detroit
PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV ASHADH 4-12 V.S. 2054
REALIZING THE SACRED BEAUTY OF AHIMSA THROUGH BACK TO BASICS
by Pujyashri Gurudev Chitrabhanuji
What I envisage is an Era of Scientific Discovery, Ecological Consciousness, and Reverence for Life. In this era, the growing generation will not be the generation of believing in dogma without questioning, performing rituals superstitiously, and following leaders blindly. This young generation will be in many ways different from the previous generation. Science and technology, satellite communication and computer systems, jet planes and space ships, atomic bombs and nuclear research have been changing old beliefs and ways of living.
The strong influence of these modern inventions is not only on our conscious mind but has also penetrated our subconscious mind. So, we must present the fundamental principles in a fresh perspective and new language.
In spite of all modern comforts, convenience, abundance and affluence, life is plagned with senseless violence, with inhumane torture, with atomic bombs, with bloody wars and mutilating killings. In this time of turmoil and crimes, the answer is ahimsa, nonviolence. Of the four basic principles of Jaina, ahimsa is king, the subordinates are anekantavada, aparigraha and samayika darshan. Practicing ahimsa embraces the subordinates as assistants.
The Basis of Violence
Violence starts with oneself. Being harmful, we first harm ourselves because the negative vibrations of bate, anger and resentment poison our sensitivities and our well-being. In this state, negative vibrations directly go deep into the psychic mind. Once the mind is permeated with these negativities, the mind is not capable of minding its business. Without discerning senses, these vibrations automatically enter our being. Here even our consciousness is also tainted with violent, poisoning vibrations. So now the person has lost perspective perception. He has no connection with one's self. He becomes possessed either with bate or greed, rage or anger; and a possessed person is not able to listen even to his or her own voice. This process of vibration- movement from the brain to consciousness shows how life is conditioned and colored with negative thoughts and harmful babits. Violence is harmful.
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