Jain Center of America NY 2005 06 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center of America NY
Publisher: USA Jain Center America NY

Page 133

ARHAM
THE TRUE NATURE OF NON-VIOLENCE
Samani Charitrapragyaji
Samani Shuklaprapragyaji
Bhagwan Mahavir enunciated the great principle of Non-Violence. He defined Non-Violence in its most profound depths. Non-Violence is a living philosophy for peaceful life. As long as a person lives alone, there is no cause for fear, hatred or retaliation. Only when he starts to live with someone else, it becomes mandatory to practice the principle of Non-Violence. This is necessary to create an environment of fearlessness that can lead to peace and harmony.
The big question, therefore, is how to promote and practice Non-Violence in personal life, in family, in society and overall at the global level. It seems that unless and until the root causes of violence are known, it is difficult to foster and encourage people to have faith in the great power of Non-Violence. H.H.Acharya Mahaprajnaji says, "The inner triggers that cause a person to engage and get involved in violent activities are emotional agitation and arrogance." The external triggers of violence might be impoverishment and inadequacy of meeting the basic necessities of life.
To live in a society means to live a life of relationships. If a person lives together with others peacefully, can we regard it as a complete practice of Non-Violence? In the real sense, this is only a pragmatic practice of Non-Violence and not the transcendent practice of the principle. The pragmatic practice of Non-Violence arises from self-interest and the need for self-preservation. Not to hurt someone, not to kill and not to disrespect - all these societal norms are formulated on the basis of personal protection and not for the welfare of all living beings. That's why whenever there is a dispute in one community or sect, it ignites all the other communities and religious sects to get involved leading to communal riots and killing thousands of innocent people. How can we stop this brutality, this terror and fear? Is there a way to extinguish this inner burning fire? Unless and until we understand the real meaning of Non-Violence, it seems difficult to protect this beautiful planet from the burning flames of violence.
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