________________
JAIN DIGEST A five point plan for
Jain ecology
II. Avoiding Wastes
Tainism is one of the most ancient religions of our planet.
It is an integral part of Indian mainstream culture, yet
has maintained its independent existence because of its own metaphysical and ethical doctrines. Although the Jain population today is just over ten million, the Jain religion can significantly contribute to solving all major problems facing the present world, not least ecological problems. The follow- ing five-point plan can be implemented to achieve a balanced environment in which all life can co-exist and prosper:
All waste is discouraged by the Jain doctrine, whether it is of water, light, heat, electricity, food, paper, clothing or petrol. At the individual level, this enhances alertness and, at the collective level, it allows due share of these commodities to the needy. Vigilance in avoiding all forms of waste will significantly contribute towards a cleaner and healthier environment and general ecological harmony. In addition, it greatly helps reduce the heaps of garbage which have become a hazard in many cities of the world. The less garbage there is, the cleaner the air that gives our planet life, as the disposal of garbage is almost always associated with the release of many deadly gases.
III. Non-Acquisitiveness
I. Non-Violence in Thought, Speech and Action
Unlimited possession amounts to hoarding which
indicates an intense and selfish desire for personal benefit. This sublime and noble principle is not merely limited This is discouraged by the Jain preceptors, as it deprives to non-harm of other forms of life, but includes planning our many others of basic physical needs. After making appropriday-to-day activities so that alertness and respect for all life ate arrangements for one's own requirements, including becomes an integral part of our personality.
those for accidents, family occasions and old age, the surplus
should be renounced. This produces a sense of satisfaction at (i) We work for the overall welfare of all our fellow the individual level and contributes to the promotion of all human beings in all possible ways.
types of welfare activities at the public level. It creates a (ii) Our speech is short, sweet, affectionate and benefi- society which provides all humanity with the necessities of cial, not only with our family, friends and senior colleagues, life and prevents the excessive accumulation of wealth by a but also with children, juniors, servants, the poor, the down- few. trodden and the afflicted.
(iii) We do not breach a trust. We do not steal nor do we IV. Vegetarianism cheat others by any form of misappropriation. (iv) We always think and pray for the health, peace and
This is the normal way of life for Jains resulting from prosperity of all humanity as well as the animal and vege- love and reverence for life, which in its turn is a natural table kingdoms.
outcome of inner understanding. Meat eating is generally (v) We refrain from, or only cautiously indulge in, in- avoided in all forms—pork, beef, chicken, fish and even eggs. dustries which require raw materials from the plant and Jains get enough nourishment from cereals like wheat, rice, animal kingdoms or those which poison the air, earth, rivers millet, corn, barley, oats, pulses like peas, beans, mung and and sea with harmful effluents and gases. Such industries other legumes and from fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy include:
products.
Eating meat necessitates killing large animals who poultry farming
have elaborate sensory apparatus and mental activity. The aminal breeding
main principle of the Jain diet is to inflict minimum injury on leather products
one-sensed life only, which is necessary for sustaining our pure silk
bodies. Vegetarianism will actively promote ecological conreal pearls
siderations for both plants and animals. Because an area of elephants tusks (ivory)
land planted with crops feeds far more people than that same fishing
area of land used to farm animals for meat, less woodland tree felling
and other natural habitats need to be cleared for agriculture certain chemicals
if people follow a vegetarian diet. pesticides 11) plastics
V. Charities and Donations (vi) Compassion for animals, birds and insects is manifested by making arrangements to keep the defective, old, This is a natural outcome of limited possession, a phildiseased or deserted animals in Panjra Poles; feeding ants, anthropic attitude and an inner faith in the supremacy of rodents, dogs, etc., buying animals destined for the slaughter virtuous deeds. houses and, in general, not keeping pets.
In India and abroad, Jains run independently or contribute sigrfificantly to instituions which are for the welfare of
all human beings. These institutions try to combat diseases,
Page 22 Jain Education Intemational For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
10)
