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JIVADAYA Compassion in action
The concept of Jivadaya in Jain Dharma is a unique con- and to promote non-violence globally, using "Compassion in cept that emphasizes compassion and reverence for all life. Action" as the guiding motto. Jiva means life and daya means compassion. The fundamen
OUR OBJECTIVES: Our objectives are to educate, tal idea of Jivadaya is compassion in action towards all liv
promote and support life styles that are harmless in theory and as ing beings beginning from the micro-beings possessing one
much as possible in practice, with particular emphasis on the sense to those evolving to beings possessing five-senses.
impact our everyday choices of diet, adornment and personal ethics The general understanding of Jivadaya is to spend one's make on our lives and others living on planet earth with us. resources for animal shelter homes - panjrapols. But Jivadaya
We put a strong emphasis on promoting a wholly vegetarian, has a much broader meaning to it than this. Jivadaya encompasses
plant-based diet as the most ethical diet, as well as the best single all aspects of non-injury to all living beings. It is, therefore, in its
action we can take to do minimal harm to the environment and active form, goodwill towards all life. As all are sparks of divinity,
our own health. We are against exploiting animals in any way, by no matter how little developed as yet they are, we should not look
using ingredients in cosmetics, clothes, and other household items down at any part of life. We are all here to grow and thus have
that are animal origin. no right to hurt or to exploit any part of our kingdom. Jivadaya means reverence for all life. Jivadaya means harmlessness.
* We believe in simplicity of life that benefits us, animals
and the environment. To accomplish these goals, our mission and Jivadaya means non-violence.
objectives focus on education, outreach and support. Specifically: So Jivadaya, put into practice, can transform our life if we follow the following steps in our day-to-day living:
* We intend to publish, physically or electronically, news to
keep our audiences reminded about the importance of a plantJustice in one's approach to life.
based diet and the value of treading lightly on the planet, I ntegrity of thoughts, words and deeds.
minimizing the suffering we may cause, possibly inadvertently. Vision to translate compassion into action.
* We intend to publish pragmatic summaries, wellA bstinence from violence.
documented, with appropriate references of topics that our
audiences can immediately use in evaluating and modifying their Dynamism to work for the mission.
lifestyles, such as, publishing recipes, documenting deleterious A lleviate the pain and suffering of living beings.
effects of a non-plant-based diet, pointing to authoritative Y earn to make a positive difference in the world.
checklists of cruelty-free products. Advance in truth and understanding.
* We will publish reference materials: e.g., from the Book of
Compassion, websites, etc. - on topics of our interest, and give The idea of having a Jivadaya Committee in JAINA is to
our audiences ready access to them. facilitate individuals to lead a least harmful life by providing them
* We recognize that in the Indian population, well-meaning with information and encouragement to donate generously to animal shelter homes-panjrapols - especially in India. In these vegetarians may not be aware of the cruelty of dairy and poultry shelter homes the management sees that fodder, water, medicine, products, so we will devote specific energies to getting the word veterinary care and other facilities are provided to the animals out about these issues. and the birds. Those cattle that are likely to be sent to * We will support animal shelter houses or animal slaughterhouses are rescued and protected in these homes. In this sanctuaries-panjrapols - in India wherever it is possible. way hundreds and thousands of animals and birds find home in
* We will setup a procedure by which individuals or Sanghs the panjrapol. The Jivadaya Committee has set up this outline of
can send their Jivdaya funds to JAINA for further distribution to its vision and mission:
institutions in India of their choice or to the areas of the country VISION: Jivadaya will help translate the concept of non- where the need for fundss more urgent. violence in life with a particular focus on living lives as free of
Jivadaya Committee aims at achieving these objectives and animal exploitation as possible. It aspires to be a primary source this is all in line with Lord Mahavir's philosophy of the least of education and inspiration to Jain values, to the Jain population
harm to the least number and the greatest good to the greatest as well as to Indian Communities and to anybody in North
number of life forms. America seeking to lead a compassionate lifestyle. MISSION: With humility and service, Jivadaya aims to
Pramoda Chitrabhanu, ChairpersonJIVADAYA Committee illuminate the concept of Ahimsa in the context of life in America
(continued on page 23)
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